Originally written for the 2nd drabble challenge for ag fics over at livejournal, with the prompt "Unexpected"
Disclaimer: I own nothing, all characters belong to the BBC.
Gwen was bustling around Gaius' chambers, locating the ingredients the physician needed for his latest concoction. Ever since Morgana had left, she had been serving as Gaius' assistant, Gwen enjoyed the work – she learned more, the pay was better, and plus she got to see Arthur more often – he was always visiting, either with a wound or simply to harass Merlin.
Despite this, she was still surprised to see the Crown Prince standing in the doorway, asking in his most polite voice if he could "borrow Guinevere for a moment?"
Gaius simply raised an eyebrow and gave her a knowing look before replying, "Gwen can go for some lunch once I've finished this remedy, it should only take a moment Sire. Can you wait?"
"Of course."
Arthur stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. Gwen was now finding it exceedingly difficult to concentrate on stirring the antidote with the Prince hovering directly behind her - his neck craned over her shoulder, examining her work. She could feel his breath on her face. It was extremely distracting.
"Perhaps you could sit over there – Sire?" She muttered impatiently, indicating a stool on the other side of the room. As Arthur obeyed, she pretended not to hear Gaius' soft chuckle.
Suddenly there was a loud bang and the two workers looked up to see the Crown Prince stood guiltily; the contents of a bottle of Gaius' cough remedy splattered on the floor around him.
"Um…sorry Gaius – I didn't mean it, just… sorry." He was slightly intimidated by the old physician's eyebrow, though he would never admit it.
Gaius struggled to suppress a laugh, then, looking at his young assistant, spotted a perfect opportunity. "Gwen dear, could you clean it up? This antidote is finished now, so I'll deliver it to Lord Constantine, and go and fetch us some lunch." He noted the look of irritation which passed over her face, quickly masked by the perfect imitation of calmness.
"Of course, Gaius – it seems Merlin isn't the only klutz in the castle." Now Gaius really struggled to hide his amusement, while Arthur looked comically bemused.
"Indeed, but we can't expect the Crown Prince to scrub the floors can we?"
"Of course not," Gwen muttered, kneeling down at Arthur's feet, scrubbing brush and bucket of water in hand.
Arthur wasn't stupid – Gaius was testing him. The old man had a challenging look in his eye, he knew about Arthur and Gwen. Of course, it made sense, Gaius was the closest thing Gwen had to a father, he would obviously want to make sure Arthur's feelings were true. Well, Arthur wasn't about to let him down.
Gwen gasped in surprise as the scrubbing brush was gently, but firmly, pulled from her grip.
"Let me." And without further ado, the Crown Prince of Camelot began to scour the floors.
Arthur looked up from his work briefly, meeting Guinevere's smiling eyes – filled with pride, gratitude and affection. He returned her smile with ease.
Gaius beamed in approval, walking towards the door, his work was done.
"I'll leave you to it."
A/N: Please Review