#gwaine

Gwaine x Reader: Little Bird Synopsis: You’re tired of being denied opportunities as a result of your sex. “…All I’m saying is that it’s weird to keep track of how many apples are in a basket. He shouldn’t have been able to tell one was missing,” Gwaine shrugged as he bit into his stolen apple. “He caught you with it in your hand, Gwaine.” Leon laughed. “It takes extreme skill to miss a crime that you’re witness to.” The other knights laughed while they rode along the forest trail. “Yet I got away.” “It’s not that funny, Gwaine.” Elyan chided. “You should be glad that you weren’t in uniform. Arthur would’ve had your head.” “No, he wouldn’t. His Highness talks a big game. I could get away again if I wanted. We don’t even have to be out right now, you know. We could just tell him that we finished the patrol and he would be none the wiser.” “That goes against our code, Gwaine.” Percival reminded him. “You know that.” “Yeah I know. But it’s healthy to push the limits.” Gwaine said cheekily. Everyone laughed. Gwaine opened his mouth to speak again, but he stopped. “What is it?” Leon asked him. “Do you hear that?” Gwaine asked. “Hear what?” The party went silent, listening for any sound. “I don’t hear anyth—” “Shh!” Gwaine shushed his friend. The party listened for any sound. Then they heard someone cough. “That!” The knights looked at each other and began to ride towards the sound. After riding for a short distance, Leon held his hand up and motioned for everyone to stop. The knights dismounted and drew their swords. Elyan signalled for everyone to spread out and search the area. Everyone went silent and serious. All except for Gwaine, who was swinging his sword and loudly chewing his apple. After one particularly loud crunch, the knights turned and glared at him. He shrugged and everyone went back to their search. Just as he was about to turn back, Gwaine heard another cough. His head snapped up and his gaze landed on a gnarled old tree a few metres from where he stood. Suddenly serious, he dropped his apple and brandished his sword. He stood against the back of the tree and took a deep breath. Then he spun around the trunk to the other side, pointing his phone at the source of the sound. He dropped his sword and sucked in a breath. Lying against the base of the tree was a girl with matted H/C hair and covered in scrapes and bruises. Although she was barely conscious, she kept her hands firmly pressed against a wound on her side. From her laboured breathing, Gwaine could tell she needed help, and fast. He crouched down to look at her just as her eyes snapped open. Her face filled with fear and she tried in vain to squirm away from him. “Please don’t hurt me,” She gasped. Gwaine held his hands up. “I won’t, I’m here to help.” He told her. A faint smile tugged at her lips, and before he could react she was unconscious. Gwaine ripped a strip of fabric from the bottom of his cloak and pressed it against the girl’s side. “Over here!” He shouted. Footsteps thundered towards him. Percival was the first to appear. “Who is this?” He asked. “I don’t know but she needs help. Send someone ahead and tell Gaius to prepare the infirmary!” Still keeping a tight hold on her wound, Gwaine awkwardly lifted the girl into his arms and took her back to his horse. What happened to you? … “…can you hear me?” You slowly returned to the surface. “Miss, I need you to open your eyes if you can hear me.” With a small groan, your eyes slowly opened. An old man with gray hair was standing over you. “Well good morning.” He smiled down at you. “Merlin, go inform Arthur and his knights that the girl is awake,” You heard footsteps and a door slam. “Where am I?” You voice was rough and scratchy from lack of use. “You’re in Camelot. A legion of knights found you injured in the forest and they brought you to me for treatment. May I ask your name?” “Y/N…My name is Y/N.” You said slowly. The man smiled and checked your wound. “It’s nice to meet you Y/N. I am Gaius.” He took a small canister and dipped his fingers into it. He rubbed some on the wound and you hissed in pain. “I apologize but this is necessary or else infection may set in.” You grit your teeth and nodded. As Gaius rewrapped your wound, the door opened again and you heard a flurry of footsteps. “She’s awake?” You flinched at the sudden noise. Gaius shushed the speaker. “Lower your voice, Sir Gwaine!” “Sorry.” He muttered. “But… she’s fine, right?” Gaius finished tying off your bandages and stood up with a nod. “If you had been any later, she wouldn’t wake up at all.” You shivered at how close you came to dying. Two men followed Gaius into your line of vision. Both had dark hair, but one had blue eyes while the other had brown. “Are you alright?” The brown-eyed one asked. You nodded. “I’ve had worse.” He laughed loudly, earning him a whack to the back of the head from Gaius. “You were run through a sword, yet you’ve had worse?” You shrugged. “That’s what I said, isn’t it?” Gwaine turned to look at the men behind him. Gaius had a kind look on his face and the other man laughed quietly. Seeming to remember the other man’s presence, Gaius said something about ‘reporting to the King’ and left the room with the other man. The brown-eyed man brought a chair to your bedside and sat down. “I’m Gwaine, by the way. "I’m Y/N.” “That’s a beautiful name. How did you end up in the forest?” “I was ambushed by bandits. I was actually on my way here.” He sat up a little straighter. “Oh? Why?” “I want to become a knight.” You answered simply. Gwaine laughed. “What’s so funny?” “Why do you want to become a knight?” “My father was a knight, and it’s always been my dream.” He was still grinning. “You still find this funny?” His grin slowly fell. “No, of course not, it’s just a woman becoming a knight is unheard of.” “And why is that?” “Well, women don’t normally take part in men’s activities.” This made you mad. “'Men’s activities’? Who are you to decide what is a man’s activity and a woman’s activity?” You demanded. “I have as much right to wield a sword as you do!” He held up his hands. “I didn’t mean to offend you.” You huffed and crossed your arms, looking away from him. “I don’t know how life is like where you are from, but things are different in Camelot.” “So? Just because something is the norm doesn’t mean it can’t change.” You turned back at him as your anger slowly dissipated. “But I will become a knight. You’ll see.” He chuckled softly. “I’ll hold you to that.” … It had been two weeks since you came to Camelot and you were finally allowed to get up and walk around. You had actually become unlikely friends with Queen Guinevere and you were on your way to visit her. When you had first met, you were still bedridden and trying to figure out what you would do for clothing. You had only brought the outfit you were wearing, but it was pretty torn up so it was out of the question. When the Queen heard that the ambush victim was a woman she immediately came to see you and offer you one of her dresses, but you turned the offer down and instead asked for a shirt, trousers, and boots. “Y/N!” You turned to see Queen Guinevere walking towards you. You hastily dipped into a sloppy curtsey. “Hey, now. What did I say about curtseying?” You nodded. “Sorry.” “It’s alright. I see your new clothes fit you quite nicely.” “Yes, thank you again.” “It’s my pleasure Y/N. I’m glad we have clothes that suit your tastes. I hear that they are quite unique.” “Oh?” “One of my husband’s knights tells me you wish to join their ranks.” “Yes, that’s true.” She smiled. “I’m glad.” You looked at her. “Really?” “Of course. I’m glad that someone like you has come to Camelot. We have been trapped in the old ways for far too long, in my opinion. My husband, on the other hand, is a little harder to convince.” She smiled. “That doesn’t mean he doesn’t try. But King Uther trained him to respect the old ways his whole life, and that can be a very difficult habit to break.” "I won’t give up.” “I know. And if you will allow me, I would like to assist you in your quest.” “I couldn’t ask you to do that for me.” “I’m not.” She turned to you. “I’m offering.” She smiled again. “I would like to help you.” "Then I would be honored to accept your assistance, My Lady.” You curtsied again despite her protests. “But how do you plan to help me? I very well can’t just waltz into the trials as I am now.” You motioned to your appearance. “I’ll be sent off before I utter a single word.” She grabbed you hand and began to lead you to the armoury. “Then we’ll just have to make sure no one finds out who you are.” She opened the door to the armoury and motioned for you to go inside. She began to mill about the room, grabbing pieces of armour off the walls as she went. “Try these on,” She threw them at you and disappeared behind a shelf. You nodded obediently and began to strap the armour on. The door flew open and you hid behind a shelf without looking. Gwaine walked in, studying the shelves of armour with a bored expression. Knowing you could trust him to keep your secret, you stepped out from your hiding place and continued to put on your armour. You picked up a shoulder plate and Gwaine whirled around with his hand on his sword. When he saw it was you, he smiled and relaxed. “And what are you up to, little bird?” He started calling you little bird shortly after your arrival. You had asked him many times to explain his nickname for you, but he’d always shrug and say he’d tell you later. “I’m going to train to be a knight,” You grabbed a shin guard and put it on. “You’re entering the trials?” You nodded. “But how? Arthur will take one look at you and send you off.” You grabbed the breastplate and attempted to strap it on. You couldn’t reach the straps behind you, and Gwaine took it as his cue to step in. He approached you so he was standing behind you and grabbed the straps. He fastened them expertly. “I’m going to disguise myself.” “But…you’re not of noble birth.” “Well, neither are you.” You pointed out. “Yes, well…” “Why are you so against me becoming a knight?” He didn’t answer you. “That’s what I thought.” You huffed as Gwen returned. “Alright, I have a sword, helmet, and a letter confirming your background.” She looked up. “Oh, hello Gwaine.” He bowed. “My Lady. I was just—” “He was just leaving, you interrupted. You looked at him pointedly, daring him to argue. He bit his tongue and nodded. He turned and left as quickly as he had come. Gwen looked at you with a cheeky smile. "What was that about?” “I’d rather not talk about it.” You said as you put the helmet on. A horn blared out. “And I don’t have time.” Snapping the visor down and strapping the sword around your waist, you headed out for your first day of tests. Unaware that another student had witnessed the whole exchange. … You returned to the infirmary and flopped down, exhausted. “Tough day?” You turned to Merlin and flashed him a tired smile. “Exhausting.” “Do you think you might be in over your head?” “Not even a little. The tests last three days, and I’m already finished day one. Two more days won’t kill me.” And without waiting for a response, you rolled over and instantly fell asleep. … “Welcome to day three!” Arthur announced as he strolled in front of the line of almost-knights. “And farewell to most of you. Because today, before you duel me for one minute, you will duel each other for thirty seconds. If you both pass, you will both move to the final stage. If you fail, you will be asked to leave.” You tried to hide your nervousness. You weren’t backing down, but you hadn’t realized how stressful training would really be. Your gaze flicked over to the group of knights watching, and you made eye-contact with Gwaine. He smiled reassuringly. “You will draw lots to determine who duels who. Is that clear?” You all responded with a loud “Yes, Sire!” You all drew lots and were soon ready to begin. “On my mark!” You looked at your opponent, who had a very suspicious grin on his face. Arthur’s arm swung down and the duels began. Your opponent came at you instantly, and you blocked his blow instantly. Deflecting his training sword, you thrust your sword at him. You struck him in the chest and he fell over. The duels stopped. Arthur came over and helped your opponent up. “You have proven your worth this far. But I can’t accept a knight who can’t last thirty seconds in battle.” His face got red, and he jabbed an accusing finger at you. “Don’t kick me out! I deserve to be here!” “And why is that?” Arthur asked with a bored expression. His tone suggested that he was used to this reaction. “Because my opponent is a girl!” Your heart dropped and Arthur stiffened. “Is this true?” He turned to you. Your opponent answered for you. “Of course it is!” Before you could react, he stalked towards you and ripped your helmet off. The other knights gasped, and the blood drained from your face. Arthur sighed. “Guards,” He motioned for a guard. “Take her to the dungeons.” He turned to you. “You are under arrest for lying to the Crown.” A hand wrapped around your shoulder, and it began to drag you roughly towards the dungeons. You looked over your shoulder. Arthur refused to look at you, and Gwaine was staring after you sadly. … “Are you alright?” You looked up from your corner too see Gwaine standing on the other side of the bars. “Of course I’m not.” You said sharply. “I was so close.” He sighed. “Little bird—” “Don’t call me that!” “Y/N. I’m so sorry this happened to you. But—” “But what? It’s better this way? I was in over my head? I didn’t know what I was doing?” Gwaine was about to protest, but you cut him off. “I don’t want to talk right now.” You turned away from him and after a moment you heard his footsteps fade. As soon as he left, you buried your face in your knees, and, for the first time since you were a child, you started to cry softly. Gwaine was around the corner. He heard every sob, and his heart broke a little more with each one. … You were snapped out of your restless sleep by a bell tolling. You stood on the small cot and craned your neck to look through the bars. The courtyard was in absolute chaos. You instantly knew what was going on. Camelot was under attack. “That does it,” You grumbled to yourself. You were not going to sit around while innocent people were slaughtered. You looked around, searching for something, anything that could help you get out of your cell. You found a medium size rock, and picked it up. You began smashing it against the lock, but it didn’t give way. “Well that’s not a very bright idea, is it?” You looked up to see Merlin leaning against the wall, watching you. “Look, normally I’d laugh, but now’s really not the best time!” You snapped. “Well if you stopped attacking the door I’d help you.” You stepped back impatiently and Merlin fished a ring of (probably stolen) keys out of his pocket. He opened your cell and you bolted out. “Wait!” You stopped and looked at him in frustration. “What is it now?” He threw you a sword and you caught it in shock. You didn’t even notice him carrying one. Deciding that your question could wait, you strapped the sword around your waist and took off, shouting your thanks over your shoulder. You almost made it out of the dungeons before running into an attacker. You drew your sword and disarmed the assailant, injuring his sword arm in the process. You made it a rule to never kill unless you absolutely had to. You ran up the stairs to the courtyard and thrust yourself into the chaos without a second thought. You cut down enemies in your way, creating a path through the courtyard. “Watch out!” You whirled around just as Gwaine cut down an assailant about to run you through. You nodded to show your thanks, but before you could jump back into the fray, he wrapped his hand around your upper arm and dragged you to the edge of the courtyard. “What are you doing?” You hissed as you tried to get away from him. He ignored you. “What are you doing?” He demanded. “You’re supposed to be locked up!” “You expect me to sit around in the middle of a fight?” “It’s too dangerous!” “No it’s not!” You shouted. “Why are you being so protective?” “You wouldn’t understand.” You scoffed and stabbed a man about to take Gwaine’s head off. “What wouldn’t I understand?” He still didn’t answer. “I don’t have time for this.” You ducked around him, but you were pulled back again. Before you could react, his lips were on yours. “Because I can’t lose you!” He shouted once he pulled away. You stared at him in shock. “Gwaine,” You said. “What?” He refused to look at you. You gently laid a hand on his cheek and guided his gaze to you. “You won’t.” And then you pulled him down to kiss him again. When you pulled away he had the same expression you had when he kissed you. So you took your chance. You passed the dazed knight and plunged back into the battle without another thought. “Y/N!” You heard a shout behind you but you ignored it. “Y/N!” You could tell he was getting closer. An arm wrapped around your waist and tugged you back, out of the path of a blade. “Who are you to just kiss and run like that?” Gwaine asked with a smirk on his lips. “After this is over, we can have a nice long talk but for now, we should really focus and—Your Highness!” Gwen was cornered by a pair of soldiers. She was trying to fight them off, but you knew she wouldn’t last much longer. You looked around, but no one else seemed to see. Before Gwaine could stop you, you took off towards the Queen. You easily took down the first man and moved to shield the Queen. “Run!” You shouted at her. She nodded, ducked under your arm and ran straight to her husband. Angry that his target got away, the uninjured attacker turned to you with a snarl. You held up your sword, daring him to make the first move. With a loud cry, the man lunged forward. You sparred back in forth until your positions switched and he was the one against the wall. Seeing that his balance was off, you smacked him with the broad side of your sword and sent him crashing to the ground. You stood over him, your chest heaving and your sword at his throat. “Any last words?” He looked at you in fear, but it changed to a smirk. Confused, you turned around. Just in time to see your opponent from the trials run you through with his sword. He wrenched his blade out of you and you collapsed to your knees, your hands shaky as they tried to stop the flow of blood. The last thing you saw before you blacked out was Gwaine screaming your name and Gwen running towards you. … You woke in a daze. “You really have to stop getting into these situations, Y/N.” You looked up at Gaius with a tired smile. “Not my fault.” Gaius chuckled. “No, I guess it wouldn’t be, would it?” You laughed, but it quickly turned into a bone-rattling cough. Gaius came over and helped to prop you up. After the coughing subsided you fell back against the pillows with a tired sigh. “Here are the herbs—she’s awake?” Merlin dropped what he was holding. “I’ll fetch Gwaine!” You tried to stop him, but he was already gone. You groaned. “Gwaine’s going to kill me.” Gaius smiled. “I think you’ll be fine.” Before you could ask him what he meant, the door slammed open. “Y/N!” Gaius stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him and Gwaine flew to your bedside. “How are you feeling? Are you in any pain? What do you ne—” “Gwaine,” You chuckled softly and held up a hand. “I’m okay. I told you before, I’ve had worse.” He smiled softly and brushed his lips against your forehead. “I was so worried about you.” “I’m sorry.” “It wasn’t your fault. When you fell, I thought… I thought I lost you for certain.” He sat on the edge of your bed and gently pulled you into an embrace. “I’m so glad you’re safe.” You smiled and returned the hug, but then your remembered your current state of affairs. “So how long until I’m sent back to the dungeon?” He squeezed you tighter and let you go. A dazzling grin was plastered on his face. “You’re not going back.” “What?” “Queen Guinevere told King Arthur what you did for her. He’s decided to reward you.” His grin got even wider. “He’s going to knight you, Y/N!” Your jaw dropped. “Really?” You began to smile like a madman. He nodded and pulled you back into his arms. “Really.” He kissed the top of your head and murmured into your ear. “You did it, little bird.”