I like to think of Merlin as a bit of a teenager. When he gets angry, he curses because he can't truly express his rage in any other way.

MERLIN IS FIESTY. HE HAS LOTS OF MANLY ANGST FEELINGS.

I can imagine that the reveal will do lots of things other than the ~hurt. I'd like to think that this puts Merlin on level ground with Arthur and that Arthur realizes this. Not only can they have lots of man sex because is OBVI not taking advantage of Merlin because he's a BAMF but also because Merlin can feel normal now and not under-appreciated and angsty about his poor, overworked and guilty heart.

Thank you! I'm terribly pleased you liked it so much. ♥