It's portrayed as strong and loyal. They are there for each other no matter what. Like when Merlin is in danger because of his magic, Gwen stands by him.
Often, their friendship is shown as a key part of the story. They confide in each other. Gwen might tell Merlin her secrets about her feelings for Arthur, and Merlin would share his concerns about his magic. It makes the story more engaging as their friendship adds an extra layer of depth.
In fanfiction, their friendship can also be a bit adventurous. They might go on secret quests together or help each other out in tricky situations in Camelot. This shows how much they rely on one another and how their friendship is full of action and mutual assistance.
One of the interesting aspects of their friendship in fanfiction is how they influence each other's growth. Merlin's knowledge of magic and his adventures often expose Gwen to a world beyond her ordinary life. Gwen's kindness and strong moral compass also guide Merlin, especially when he is faced with difficult decisions regarding his use of magic.
Often, it's a very intense dynamic. Merlin is usually seen as the one with the good heart, while Morgana is more conflicted. In fanfiction, their relationship can be a battle of wills. For example, Merlin might try to use his magic to counter Morgana's dark magic. But at the same time, there's also an underlying understanding between them. They both have magic in a world where it's mostly feared, and this shared experience can lead to some interesting interactions in fanfiction.
Merlin might become even more protective of Arthur. Since Gwen is carrying Arthur's child, Merlin would see it as his duty to safeguard the future of Camelot. He could be more involved in Arthur's personal affairs, which might initially annoy Arthur but eventually he'd come to appreciate Merlin's concern.
In fanfiction, their friendship can be portrayed in various ways. Sometimes it's shown as a gradual process of trust - building. Naruto might offer Kurama kindness, like sharing his food or thoughts, which surprises Kurama. Other times, it's a more immediate bond formed in the face of a common enemy. For example, when they both realize that an external threat is endangering Naruto's life and Kurama's existence.
The portrayal of their friendship varies. Sometimes, it's a friendship that defies the odds. Given Peter's actions in the original story, it's unexpected for him to be friends with Stiles. But in fanfiction, they can bond over their love for the supernatural world. They might go on adventures together, relying on each other's skills. Stiles' logical thinking and Peter's instincts can make them a great team. And as they spend more time together, their friendship deepens, with them learning to trust each other more and more.
In fanfiction, their friendship can be portrayed as a strong bond. They might support each other in battles. For instance, Percy could use his water powers to create distractions while Piper uses her charm - speak to disorient enemies.
The friendship between Naruto and Shikamaru in fanfiction is a rich tapestry. They are often depicted as complementary characters. Naruto's positive and enthusiastic attitude can lift Shikamaru's spirits when he's feeling down or frustrated with the complexity of a situation. Shikamaru, in return, with his calm and logical mind, can keep Naruto grounded. For instance, when Naruto is excited about a new mission, Shikamaru might be the one to remind him of the potential risks and how to best approach it. Their friendship also extends to their personal lives, where they might share their dreams and fears with each other, showing a deep level of connection and understanding.
Merlin can impact their relationship positively. He might use his magic to create opportunities for them to be alone, like creating a private garden for their dates.
Fanfiction often explores their relationship in many ways. For example, it can show how Merlin acts as a mediator between Arthur and Gwen. He might use his magic subtly to bring them closer or resolve misunderstandings. Sometimes, it shows how Arthur's sense of duty as king affects his relationship with Gwen, and how Merlin helps him balance that with his personal feelings.
It would become much more complex. They might start off being confused and a bit awkward around each other. But then, as they start to explore their feelings, they could become closer in a more intimate way. Their friendship would be transformed into something deeper, with a new level of understanding and trust.