The theme of mutual understanding is quite prominent. They come from different backgrounds, Arthur as a prince and Merlin as a servant with magic. But they understand each other on a deeper level. They can sense when the other is troubled or in danger. This mutual understanding is what makes their bromance so special in these fanfictions. It's like they have a connection that goes beyond the normal relationships in Camelot.
Well, there's a fanfiction called 'Friendship Beyond Magic'. In this story, Merlin uses his magic not just to protect Arthur from external threats but also to strengthen their emotional bond. It shows how their relationship evolves from a mere servant - king dynamic to a true bromance. And then there's 'Shared Secrets', where they share secrets that no one else in Camelot knows, which deepens their connection.
Another theme is the exploration of identity. In 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe', both Aristotle and Dante are on a journey to figure out who they are, and their friendship helps in this exploration. They learn about their sexual identities, their cultural identities, and how they fit into the world around them through their interactions with each other.
A typical theme in sad bromance stories is unrequited loyalty. Say, one friend is always there for the other, but the other doesn't appreciate it as much. Loss is also a common theme. It could be the loss of a friendship due to death, like when one friend passes away suddenly and the other is left with all the memories. And then there's the theme of envy. If one friend becomes more successful than the other, it can create jealousy and strain the bromance.
One common theme is loyalty. In a bromance love story, friends are often extremely loyal to each other, like in 'The Lord of the Rings' where Sam is always loyal to Frodo. Another theme is mutual growth. They help each other become better people.
Love is a common theme. It could be the slow - burning, unspoken love or the passionate kind. Another theme is self - discovery. Often, the characters are on a journey to understand their own sexual orientation and what it means for them in their lives.
One common theme is the clash of different magical systems. Merlin has his druidic magic and Loki has his Asgardian magic, so a lot of fanfics explore how these two types of magic interact. For example, in some stories, they might try to combine their powers to defeat a common enemy.
In sub Merlin fanfiction, a major theme is secrecy. Given Merlin's sub position, he must keep his magic a secret, and this secrecy drives a lot of the plot. Another theme is growth. He grows as a person and as a magic - user while being in a sub role. It's about how he overcomes the limitations of his position. Additionally, the theme of sacrifice is common. Merlin is often in situations where, because of his sub role, he has to sacrifice something for the greater good, whether it's his own safety or his relationships.
The theme of sacrifice is also quite prevalent. In many fanfictions, Merlin's father has made sacrifices for Merlin's future, which Merlin discovers as the story progresses. It gives a deeper understanding of their relationship.
In Merlin vampire fanfiction, the theme of acceptance is quite common. Whether it's Merlin accepting the existence of vampires or the vampires accepting Merlin's power. Another is the theme of transformation. Merlin might transform in some way due to his encounters with vampires, or the vampires themselves may transform, either physically or in their attitudes. And the theme of forbidden knowledge often pops up, as the vampires may possess knowledge that is both dangerous and alluring to Merlin.
Another theme is friendship. The neckerchief can be a focal point for the relationships Merlin has with Arthur, Gwen, and the other characters. For example, it might be a gift from a friend that holds special meaning.