Title: I'm Here
Author: ceecee_05
Rating: K+
Characters/Pairings: Arthur/Gwen (small mention of Uther)
Spoilers: NONE
Disclaimer: MERLIN's not mine, just the grammatical errors.
Summary: Gwen and Arthur are going through a rough patch in their marriage, and she doesn't know how to tell him she's pregnant.
Author's notes: Yes I'm very aware that I shouldn't have written a new story (even if it is a short oneshot) when I have two in progress, but I needed to write something with a little less angst than either of my other stories; which isn't saying much because this also turned out fairly angsty. However, I am also writing the next installment for In Our Own Skins, and that should be out soon.

I'm Here

Oh God how am I going to tell my husband that I'm four months pregnant with his child? Yes things between Arthur and I are slowly getting better, but I don't think adding a baby will do anything but complicate matters between us. We still live together, but we sleep in separate rooms, and rarely say more than good morning and goodnight to each other.

Arthur always said he didn't think he'd be the best father, and I know Uther Pendragon can be blamed for that.

I really do believe that Uther loves Arthur in his own way, but couldn't he have given him a hug here or there? When we first started dating it took months before Arthur was even comfortable holding my hand in public.

"Guinevere are you home?"

I consider hiding somewhere in the kitchen, and nervously rub my hands over my black pencil skirt. I try not to think about the extra weight I've gained, and quickly realize that a baby means I'll have to take some time off work. No! Morgana's been talking about giving me a promotion, and I've wanted to be an editor at Pendragon Publishing since I was a teenager. This is my dream, and Morgana's alright, but she probably won't give me the promotion if I have to take time off work, and…Oh my God I'm going to have a baby!

"Guinevere!"

I watch Arthur toss his keys on the counter and not on the hook where it's supposed to go before his eyes quickly land on me. I try not to make it noticeable that I'm inching my way towards the glass doors leading to the backyard, but he seems to notice something's wrong.

"Guinevere are you alright? You look a little flushed."

"Flushed? No of course not I'm fine. Just got in from the office a little while ago, and I'm just a little tired, so I should really be off to bed."

I'm not a very good liar, and Arthur always knows when I'm lying. Although perhaps this time he won't notice that I didn't actually go to work, but really just dressed in my work clothes so that when he saw me he'd think I was going to work, and not to see my doctor about the positive symbol on the pregnancy test I took. I mean it's possible!

"Gwen what's going on? You look like you're about to faint."

"Do I?"

"Yeah, you do"

I can barely tell, but it looks like Arthur's moving towards me. I'm certainly starting to feel like the temperature in the room has gotten a little too high, and my vision is a tad fuzzy, but I don't think I'm going to…

When I open my eyes I'm laying on my bed surrounded by snores, and there's a slight pressure on my stomach and hand. I slowly lift my head a bit from under the covers, and see Arthur sitting by my bed with his head where our child is growing, and his large smooth hand resting in mine. Oh the perks of never having to do manual labour.

At my sudden movement his head lifts, and he tiredly wipes the sleep from his eyes.

"Well you're certainly still full of surprises Guinevere. You almost gave me a heart attack after that display in the kitchen."

He's laughing, but I can hear the slight quiver in his voice.

"Promise not to do that again alright?"

He appears to be joking, but I can tell he's very serious.

"I'll do my best."

I try to smile, but I'm still quite scared to come clean about the baby we'll be having soon. I don't know how to tell him, and to be honest I'm worried he won't want to have a baby with me. We may be going through a rough patch in our marriage right now, but I still love Arthur, and I'm rather certain I always will.

"What's going on Gwen? I know we haven't been all that close for a few months now, and that's mostly my fault what with work at Pendragon Corp., but you know I'm still here for you right?"

"Yes, I know you are Arthur."

And I do know. Even though Arthur and I barely see each other he always makes it a point to message me when I'm at work to see how I'm doing, or to call before he goes to sleep when he's on a business trip.

"I'm always here for you because no matter what happens I love you Guinevere. Whatever's wrong you don't have to face it alone."

He squeezes my hand, and the sobs start of their own volition. Stupid mood swings!

"I'm…"

I heave a sigh, and remind myself to breathe. I can do this. This is Arthur, this is my husband.

"It's alright Gwen, you can…"

"Arthur I'm pregnant."

He quickly releases my hand, and practically runs out of the room. I slowly fall to the bed and cry harder. I can't believe he would just leave me like that. I thought…I was foolish to think things would change between us.

I turn on my side, and try to sleep, but my tears won't stop. How could he just…after everything. He could have at least pretended to be excited.

I can feel a dip in the bed, and strong arms wrapping around me. Arthur softly kisses my shoulder before gently rubbing my stomach.

"Shh Gwen, don't cry. I'm here for both of you, and I'm not going anywhere."

I want to ask him why he left, and whether or not he really wants to have this child with me, but I don't. I snuggle closer into his embrace, and allow myself to just enjoy my husband's arms after so long. I know that whatever happens now we'll do our best to get through it together.

Yeah I know not a very happy story, but still far less angsty than my other ones. Hopefully you enjoyed my first ever one-shot because I tend to struggle with writing short stories. Again for all those reading In Our Own Skins Morgan's chapter will be out soon, and I really hope to hear all your opinions on this story in your reviews Thanks for reading!