One common theme is loyalty. Arthur's protectiveness often stems from his deep loyalty to Merlin. He sees Merlin as more than just a servant but as a true friend, and this loyalty drives him to safeguard Merlin.
Love, in a platonic or sometimes a budding romantic sense, is another theme. Arthur's protectiveness can be seen as an expression of his love for Merlin. He might not always be aware of it, but his actions speak louder. He'll risk his own life or position in the court to keep Merlin safe. This love, whether it's the love of a brother or something more, is a strong undercurrent in most of these fanfictions.
One common theme is loyalty. Arthur's loyalty to Merlin drives his protective behavior. He doesn't want to lose Merlin, whether it's due to magical threats or political enemies.
One common theme is loyalty. Arthur's protectiveness shows his loyalty to Merlin as his friend and servant. Another theme could be guilt. If Merlin is hurt because of Arthur in some way, Arthur feels guilty and that drives his protectiveness. For example, if Merlin takes an arrow meant for Arthur.
One common scenario is when they are out on a quest. Arthur always puts Merlin's safety first, even if it means putting himself at risk. For instance, in a dangerous forest filled with magical creatures, Arthur would stand in front of Merlin to face any threats.
One common theme is friendship. Their relationship is often at the heart of the stories, showing how they support and grow with each other. Another is loyalty. Arthur and Merlin are extremely loyal to each other in the original series, and this is often emphasized in fanfiction.
One common theme is the exploration of gender roles. Since it's a male pregnancy, it challenges the traditional ideas of male and female roles. Another theme is the deepening of the relationship between Merlin and Arthur. The pregnancy often serves as a catalyst for them to become closer and more reliant on each other.
One common theme is loyalty. Since they are brothers, their loyalty to each other is often a central focus. They will go to great lengths to protect one another.
Love, in different forms, is a recurring theme. It could be platonic love that is so strong it's like a family bond. Or it could be a romantic love that the authors explore in a very subtle or sometimes more obvious way. This love is often what drives them to make sacrifices for each other in the fanfiction stories.
One common theme is the power dynamic. Since Merlin has magic and Arthur is the king, it's interesting to see how a female Merlin would handle that. Another theme is love and loyalty. Their relationship, whether it's platonic or romantic, is often at the center.
In Merlin and Arthur gay fanfiction, a prevalent theme is the exploration of identity. Arthur, as a prince, has certain expectations placed on him, and exploring his identity as a gay man is a significant aspect. Merlin, too, with his magical abilities and his role as a servant, has his own identity journey. Another common theme is the idea of sacrifice. They might be willing to sacrifice their own desires or positions for the sake of the other, which is a very romantic and noble concept often explored in these fanfictions.
Another theme is the test of their relationship. The hotel can be a place full of challenges and temptations. It could be other people trying to come between them or some difficult situations that make them question their loyalty to each other. Like in some fanfictions, a powerful sorceress at the hotel tries to charm Arthur away from Merlin, but they overcome it and their relationship becomes stronger.