Somewhere Only We Know
"You said what?"
Arthur sighed in exasperation. He'd told the same story to his so-called friend several times already and each time he was rewarded with a raucous laugh. He had half a mind to hang up on him.
"Arthur, how wonderfully archaic!" Merlin laughed. "Did you honestly expect she would fall into your arms with a line like that?"
"I admit I'm a little rusty," Arthur admitted with some reluctance. "I mean, I'm asking you for dating advice."
Merlin scoffed.
"And which one of us has the girlfriend?"
"Alright, alright!" Arthur took a deep breath. "What should I do then? I haven't quite been in the game for a while. I don't know what she expects from me."
"I don't think she expects anything," Merlin told him. "She's not a Material girl a la Madonna. Think Cyndi Lauper."
Arthur scratched his head.
"What are you taking about?"
"You are so uncultured," said Merlin in disdain. "She just wants to have fun! I don't think she wants money thrown at her. I also don't think she wants to hear you say woo ever again. I'm surprised she didn't laugh in your face."
"You know I could make a jab at your love for 80s girl power music right now, but I'll restrain myself. I won't bring myself down to your level today, Merlin."
"That's a shame," said Merlin, sighing deeply, "it's really fun down here and you know it."
Arthur pressed the red button on his blackberry, shutting off the call.
He'd decided to take the day off on a whim. Nimeuh had been gracious enough to fill in for him. Almost too gracious, he later thought, but he couldn't really complain now. He had a mission to complete.
He tiptoed down the hallway, as only a real man can, and stopped when he heard Gwen's voice down the hall.
"I think the Brick red sweater goes really well with your forest green pants," said her muffled voice. "It all really brings out your eyes."
"Really?" A beat. "I've never tried that before. It might work."
"Tim Gunn says we have to—"
"—make it work, I know."
"Mordred!" Gwen said in mixed glee and shock. "Honey, do you watch that show?"
"Shh! Don't say it too loud! Daddy might hear!"
Gwen giggled.
"I think it's great that you watch that show! You seem to know a lot about colors. It's something you should share with your father. You shouldn't keep secrets from him."
"You promise me you won't tell or I'll tell him you watch that Vampire show!"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Mordred made a sound of disbelief. "Oh, Beel! Oh Sookeh! Bite me Sookie—"
"Shh!"
"Now who's keeping secrets?"
"Oh, hush," Gwen said in a low voice as the blood rushed to her face. "Now you can choose the outfit I've given you or you can change. I don't care. Just don't tell your father."
As her footsteps approached the door, Arthur began to panic. He quickly decided to tiptoe back in the direction of his room.
"Arthur?"
Arthur cringed a little but managed to turn around and smile at her.
"What are you doing?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I didn't want to wake anyone," he lied. "I tend to make lots of noise when I walk since I'm 160 pounds of man."
"Uh huh." She looked him up and down. "Is that Arthur-speak for 'I'm easedropping'?" she asked.
"I may have heard a little of your riveting conversation with my son," he admitted. "I had no idea that even you were susceptible to this vampire fad. I guess you learn new things every day."
"Vampires are interesting," she said, looking up at him defiantly. "If you stepped off your high horse and gave the show a chance, you'd really enjoy it!"
"Oh?"
He raised an eyebrow and stalked towards her. She instinctively stepped back until she was pressed against the wall. He placed his hands on either side of her head.
"What's so good about Vampires?" he asked, moving his hand down the wall and resting it on the curve of her neck. "What do they have that I don't?"
A lump was growing in Gwen's throat as a direct result of their proximity. In her thin blue nighty, she wasn't aptly dressed to hide her body's involuntary response.
"Arthur," she managed to say, "it's too early for this right now. I've got to get Mordred ready for school. You've got to get ready for work—"
"You've been avoiding me since the day Morgana left," Arthur said. "I know I sounded ridiculous, but I was serious. I haven't stopped thinking about that kiss, you know."
"I haven't either," she admitted softly. "But it's not right. If I'm going to get Lance back, I can't pursue a relationship with you. We only just split up—"
"Just give me a chance, Gwen," he said, his voice earnest. "I promise I'll make it worth your while."
She bit her lip, looking up at him as she pondered the offer. His face was hopeful, expectant. He didn't even use the puppy-dog face to coerce her.
"What did you have in mind?" she asked.
Her voice was hesitant. She didn't want to make any promises.
"A date. Today before Mordred gets back from school."
She sent him a sidelong glance.
"Just a date, right?"
"Do I look like I have an ulterior motive?"
"You're a man," she said, as if her words were explanation enough.
He chuckled.
"Fair enough. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to kiss you out of your wits right now."
She blushed again.
"I don't kiss on or before the first date," she said, trying her best to hide her embarrassment.
"Liar." He grinned. "I don't blame you, though. I am an Adonis after all. No woman can resist me."
"Charming." She rolled her eyes. "I don't know if I can keep up with an Adonis, to be quite honest. I might have to rethink this whole date thing. I wouldn't want to feel inadequate. I think Aphrodite may be available. Why don't you call her?"
"I've tried but, sadly, she hasn't returned my calls," he said, sighing dramatically. "I guess I'll have to go with the next best thing."
She gave him a light shove.
"You're a giant goofball."
"You'll learn to love me for it." He winked. "Come on. Just say yes. I promise you'll have a good time."
Gwen sighed.
"Fine. One date. That's it."
"That's what you think," he said, wriggling his brows. "I'll knock on your door around 11, okay?"
"Where are we going?"
Arthur made a zipping motion across his lips and shook his head.
"I guess you're just going to have to find out."
"Can't wait," she said in a low voice.
Just then, Mordred cracked the door a little and poked his head out into the hall.
"Hey, Daddy?"
"What is it Mor?" Arthur asked, turning to his son.
Mordred motioned him over with a hand.
"I need to talk to you about something."
Gwen and Arthur looked at each other and, for one startling moment, they were both thinking the same thing: had Mordred been listening in on their conversation?
"My little prince beckons, I'm afraid," said Arthur, bowing solemnly. "I guess I'll see you later?"
"You shall," she said, giving him a mock curtsy.
"You guys are really strange," said Mordred, shaking his head.
Arthur chuckled and waved goodbye to Gwen as she disappeared down the hall.
Mordred opened the door wider as his father entered his room. He looked around the hall again before shutting the door and twisting the lock.
Arthur raised an eyebrow.
"So, what's going on?"
"I think Gwen is a witch," Mordred whispered. "She's cast this awful spell on me and I don't know how to get rid of it."
Arthur had to bite his lip to stop himself for laughing.
"And what brought you to this conclusion?"
"She does this smiling thing. I used to hate it. But now, it makes me feel all warm inside, like I just had freshly baked cookies," Mordred explained while pacing the room frantically. "I really want to hate her, daddy, but she's making it hard. She must know how much I like cookies. She must have read my mind or something."
"Mordred, everyone from here to China knows how much of a sweet tooth you have," Arthur said, ruffling his son's hair. "I don't know why you can't just accept that she's a nice girl."
"I thought Auntie Morgana and Mommy were the only nice girls in the world." He stopped pacing. "And Annie. She's really nice too."
Arthur smiled at the new addition to the list, but said nothing.
"She's cast a spell on you too, daddy," he continued. "You usually don't smile this much. Now you smile all the time. We need to join forces like the Power Rangers. I'll even let you be the red one."
Arthur knelt down and placed his hands on Mordred's shoulders.
"Look, Mordred, I would never hire a witch to look after you," Arthur reassured him. "I know this must be very confusing. You're so used to distrusting your nannies, and for good reason. But I'm telling you, this one is different. She really cares about you, about us. You can trust her as you trust me. I know she'll never do anything to hurt you."
Mordred looked up at into his father's eyes, which were near replicas of his own.
"She won't try to take you away from me?" he asked.
"She won't," Arthur answered, giving his son's shoulders a reassuring squeeze. "I promise I will always be here for you when you need me."
Mordred nodded.
"But shouldn't we call J.K Rowling just to make sure she's not—"
"Mordred," Arthur warned.
"Fine," he said, sighing deeply, "if she betrays us to Voldemort, it's all your fault."
Arthur's eyes traveled to an overturned book on his son's bed. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
So that explained it.
"Since when did you start reading for fun?" Arthur said, gesturing to the book. "I used to have to practically tie you down."
"Annie let me borrow it," he said, beaming. "I read the first two in three days. I never thought reading could be so fun!"
"I've got to meet this girl," Arthur said, ruffling his son's hair. "Maybe she can get you to actually eat your vegetables."
"Nice try daddy. We're coming up with a plan to rid the world of vegetables," he said proudly.
"Well there goes that dream," Arthur said, smiling a little. He glanced at his watch. "You'd better hurry or you'll be late for school, Mor. Have a good day and try not to get into any trouble."
As Arthur turned to leave, Mordred ran up to him and wrapped his arms firmly around Arthur's middle.
"I love you, daddy," he murmured.
"I love you too, Mor. Don't you ever forget that."
They stayed like that for a few moments before Mordred released Arthur and ran out the door.
As he watched his son's decent down the stairs, Arthur couldn't help but feel a little guilty. He hadn't lied exactly but he had a feeling Mordred was not going to be happy when he discovered the truth. Chocolate Chip Cookies or no.
"You're an idiot."
"Thanks for the glowing vote of confidence, Morgana," said Arthur, his voice sharp. "When I want to feel horrible about myself I know who to call."
"Oh, shut up Arthur. We've done this for years. You do something stupid and you call me so I can help you fix it. Hence the insult," Morgana said.
"Ok, ok. You don't have to be so…Morgana about this." Arthur opened his closet and balanced the phone between his ear and shoulder as he surveyed his closet. "Just walk me through this. It's been years since I've been on a date. I'm out of practice."
"I get the feeling Gwen's an old fashioned girl." She paused. "Go for simplicity."
"So should I wear the blue or the green tie?" he asked.
"Are you trying to scare the girl off?"
Arthur made a sound of frustration. "Could you turn off the snark for just a moment? This is important."
"You're the one who asked for a date without having planned a thing!"
"She's right. That was stupid."
"You let Merlin in on our call?"
"Of course I did. We're a trifecta. Plus, you think I'd let Merlin miss out on your moment of epic fail. I think not."
"If you were here, I'd give you a high five. God I miss you—"
"Can we get back to the issue at hand, guys? I have less than two hours and I only have one shot at this."
"First off," said Morgana, "nix the ties entirely. Go casual."
"Wear that green button down shirt you wore the day you first met. Girls like sentimental stuff, you know."
"Not ALL girls, Merlin," Morgana added, "but I'm sure Gwen does."
"Just trust me on this one, Arthur. Wear the green one. It also really brings out your eyes."
"Does it really?" Arthur asked, pulling said shirt out of his closet. "You think she'd appreciate that?"
"I think she really would," Merlin said.
"And ditch the slacks. Wear those jeans I got you for Christmas."
"Are you sure they'll fit him Morgana? He hasn't been hitting the gym very often since then…"
"I'm fighting fit!"
"Sure you are," said Morgana and Merlin in unison.
"I was voted best biceps in that one magazine…"
"The magazine in your head?"
"Shut up, Merlin."
Arthur plugged the iron into the socket and started pressing his shirt.
"Where should I take her then, if not to some fancy restaurant?"
"We can't tell you that, Arthur. We can't manufacture the entire date. You've got to figure that part out yourself."
"No, no, no…" Arthur said nervously. "You can't just… I still need help!"
"Let me know how it goes, Arthur," said Merlin. "Good luck and for the love of GOD don't screw this up. I think you may have found the one girl who will put up with your nonsense."
"Merlin? MERLIN!"
"He's gone, Arthur."
"When I get my hands on him—"
"He's on duty, Arthur. He has patients to see. Give him a break."
"I guess you're not going to help me either?
"Think of a place you love and take her there," she said, her voice wispy. "You'll think of the rest. You may be a giant prat, but you can be sweet when you want to be. Especially with her."
"Thanks, I guess," said Arthur, scratching the back of his head. "It's not often when you grant me a compliment."
"Don't get used to it." She paused. "Look," she said quickly, "I've got to run. I've got a shoot in less than an hour and I've wasted precious prep time talking to you. Good luck, Arthur. You can do this."
"Easy for you to say," he mumbled.
But he was talking to a dead line. He was completely on his own, about to play a game that he'd long since forgotten the rules of.
He didn't know how this would turn out. She might spend five minutes alone with him and decide to call it quits. It could very well be the epitome of awkward dates, the kind most try to forget and cringe when they manage to remember.
"You'll be fine, my little dragon."
Arthur blinked, a slow realization coming over him as he remembered her words. He smiled in spite of him self, his mood lifting.
Everything was going to be fine.
Morgana sighed as she placed the phone back on the receiver. Her brother really was a hopeless case.
She smiled and stretched as she rolled over in her lavish queen sized bed. Her eyes scanned the room, centering on her cherry wood nightstand.
Her smile vanished.
"Fuck," she whispered.
In theory, she should have been happy to receive the two dozen roses now adorning her nightstand. Instead, her heart filled with dread and guilt at the sight of them.
Leon was such a nice guy. She was certain he adored her, loved her even. He was handsome, successful, an excellent lay, a perfect gentleman.
She didn't deserve him.
Morgana was meant to be with guys like Alvarr: superficial, selfish, and aloof. She didn't like men of Alvarr's ilk, but they made her feel comfortable. She didn't have to worry about feeling dirty or broken when she was with them.
The problem with Leon was his inherent goodness. Being around him reminded her that she herself was not good. She was damaged in a way he would never understand. She couldn't be herself around him.
She had hoped that this time would be different, that maybe she could let herself be happy with this perfect man, that he could rescue her from her self-loathing.
She buried her head into her silk pillowcase. If her own insecurities were the only thing in the way of her relationship with Leon, she could overcome them and try to be happy.
In her heart, she knew she was sabotaging herself. Silly as it was, she still believed in true love. She had experienced it once, a long time ago, and she would never forget the feeling. Never in her life had she felt so… complete. He had seen beyond her pretty face, right through to the lonely complicated center and he didn't run away. He didn't try to change her. He loved the real her, not the façade.
And she betrayed him.
She sat up and opened the drawer of her nightstand and retrieved an old, worn baby blue box. She removed the lid and gingerly lifted a tattered, folded piece of paper from the box. Her eyes scanned the letter, focusing on the last few lines.
I don't care. I love you. That's all that matters. I love you. I love you and I want to be with you.
A dried white rose lay within the box. She lifted it by its stem and pressed the petals to her lips, fighting the tears that were threatening to fall.
"Merlin," she whispered.
At precisely 11am, Gwen heard the knock on her door. She had spent the last 10 minutes trying to zip the back of her dress to no avail.
"Gwen?" said Arthur's muffled voice, "Can I come in?"
She sighed.
"Sure."
He opened the door and smiled almost immediately. Guinevere was standing near her bed, crossing her hands over her chest to hold her dress up.
"Umm…I'm having a little trouble," she said, feeling the blood rush to her cheeks. "Could you… er…"
She turned around and tilted her head in the direction of her zipper.
Arthur gulped as he walked towards her. Truth be told, he wanted nothing more than to help her out of her dress, not into it.
He took in the feminine curve of her back, his eyes traveling down her spine to the zipper, which barely concealed a pair of lacy blue panties.
He clasped the top of her dress and slowly slipped one hand down the curve of her side, stopping at her hip.
Using his other hand, he pulled the zipper up the length of the dress, slowly, taking in each inch of smooth caramel skin.
Before Gwen could turn around, Arthur pulled a silk white tie from his pocket and slipped it over her eyes.
"Arthur…what?"
"It's a surprise," he said, as he continued to tie the tie around her head.
"I hope you didn't build a library or something…" she said, smiling, "This would be the second Disney—"
She stopped herself before continuing.
Arthur sent her a strange look that she couldn't see before shrugging and quickly lifting her off the ground and carrying her bridal style.
"Arthur!"
"Only the first date and I've already swept you off your feet," he said, grinning.
She hit his chest lightly. "Sir Arthur, you are just so humble…" she said, rolling her eyes.
"And you, my lady, are far too kind."
He carried her down the stairs, and out the door, signaling to Charles to start the car.
Charles eyed his boss and the blindfolded Guinevere suspiciously before nodding and pulling the keys out of his pocket.
"Where are we going, Master Pendragon?"
"Her favorite place," he said, giving Charles a meaningful look.
Charles gave a quick nod and opened the door for Arthur and Gwen.
Arthur placed Gwen onto the back seat gingerly and then slipped in next to her, closing the door behind himself.
He noticed that her hand was gripping the door handle tightly.
"Hey," he said, his voice soft, "You have nothing to be afraid of."
He plucked her fingers from the handle, entwined his fingers with hers, and lightly kissed the top of her knuckles.
"It's not you…" she said, turning away from him. "Ever since… dad passed away, I always hear his voice telling me to put on my seatbelt as soon as I get into the car. And considering how… how…"
Arthur wanted to slap himself for being so stupid.
He reached over and grabbed the belt, gently pulling it over her body and into the slot.
"Thank you," she said with a smile.
"It was my pleasure, my lady," he said, returning the smile.
Charles coughed and Arthur looked up at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Is there a problem?"
"No, sir," Charles mumbled. "Just something in my throat."
"Right, then," Arthur said, "Let's get going."
"Arthur," Gwen said, turning towards him, "where are you taking me?"
"Somewhere I haven't visited in over ten years," he said, squeezing he hand lightly. "But… I think she would like me to bring you there. She would like it very much."
She knew better than to push him any further.
"I hate to say it, but this sounds a bit like a horror film," she said. "Guy blindfolds girl and takes girl to undisclosed location…"
Arthur scoffed.
"Great, my date has compared me to a murderer…"
"Don't worry," she said giggling, "If you have any wicked intentions, I'm sure Charles will protect me. Right, Charles?"
"Without question," said the driver, glaring at Arthur.
Arthur leaned over, his lips almost touching the outline of her ear.
"Well I suppose that means that I can't have my wicked way with you," he whispered.
She shivered as his warm breath tickled her skin.
"I suppose…" she said, her voice quiet.
Arthur sat back in his seat, smirking.
He may have been out of practice, but he definitely had not lost his touch.
Freya sat up in bed, staring out of the window. Merlin had just run off mumbling something about an "errand for Arthur."
She usually didn't mind being alone but, lately, with her condition getting worse, it was becoming clearer to her that she was on borrowed time.
When the doctors had told her that she had stage 3 cancer, She'd been so angry at everyone and everything. It wasn't fair. She was so young. She had her whole life ahead of her.
However, the longer she lived with her illness, the more she accepted it. She knew that if she were to die now, she would welcome death. It was a natural part of her illness, an illness that she couldn't muster up the strength to fight anymore.
She hadn't told Merlin any of this. It was something he could never understand and it would only upset him. Instead, she put on a brave face and spent as much time as she could with him, cherishing every moment.
She knew it was unfair to get involved with Merlin. She would never have to deal with the pain of losing him. Her death would undoubtedly damage him and it would be difficult for him to move on. It was incredibly selfish of her.
However, Freya did not want Merlin to mourn her. She wanted him to move on with someone amazing, someone who did not confine him to the four walls of a sterile hospital room.
Suddenly, there was a soft knock on her door.
"It's open," she said, smiling a little. "Back so soon? I'm assuming Arthur just wanted a quickie in the bathroom then?"
Silence.
"Honestly, Merlin, it was just a…"
Her eyes widened.
"Big brother," she whispered.
"Hey, Frey," he said, walking towards her with a smile. "I've missed you these last few weeks."
Freya rolled her eyes.
"You've missed me, huh? You couldn't, I don't know, call me to let me know you're back? I've been worried sick about you."
He ruffled her hair.
"You worried sick about me? Who's the one in the hospital bed?"
"Leave it to you to use my cancer for your own devices," she said, crossing her arms over her chest. "Seriously, why didn't you call me?"
"I've been busy," he said, collapsing in the armchair next to her bed. "I've also been trying to pull some strings to get you on that clinical trial."
Freya narrowed her eyes at her brother.
"Pull some strings?" she asked. "I told you! I don't want to be put above anyone else. If I'm meant to get the trial, I will. It's no use anyway… the doctors say I don't have much time left. Why don't you just accept that I'm dying, brother? You're wasting all the time we have together trying to find a cure that doesn't exist!"
Her brother stood up, glaring at her.
"God, Freya, you're so selfish!" he yelled. "Did you stop to think for one second that you're the last thing that I have left in the entire world? Is it really so strange that I would fight to save my own sister? I know I have to do it because you've already given up. All this accepting death crap, I don't fucking believe it!"
"What do you want me to do?" she yelled back. "I'm tired of being angry. I just want to live my last few months in peace."
"You don't have to be angry," he said, looking her straight in the eyes. "But I'd appreciate it if you gave a damn about your own life! I want you to fight!"
He knelt in front of her, taking her hand in his.
"If I have to let you go, I not only want to know that I did everything I could to help you, I want to know that you did everything in your power to live."
He used his other hand to wipe away the tears that were welling up in Freya's eyes.
"Live for me, Frey, or everything that I've done, everything that I am, has been for nothing," he whispered.
She looked up at him, astounded. For the first time since their parents' death, her brother looked completely helpless. He had always been so strong for her, done everything in his power to make sure she had everything she could ever ask for.
Freya embraced her brother, placing her chin on his shoulder.
"I get it," she whispered. "I'm sorry for giving up. I promise…I promise from now on, I'll fight."
He kissed her forehead and smiled down at her.
"Am I interrupting something?"
The siblings quickly turned towards the door.
"Merlin," Freya said, slipping out of her brother's arms. "I didn't think you'd be back so soon. What did Arthur want?"
"Food," he said, rolling his eyes. "That man can't cook anything worth a damn. If it was for any other girl but Gwen, I would have refused."
Freya giggled.
"Oh! I'm so silly," she said, smacking her forehead with her hand. "I forgot to introduce you two to each other."
She gestured towards her brother.
"Merlin," she said, smiling, "This is my brother, Lance."
"We've met," the two men said in unison.
Freya looked back and forth between the two men, a confused look on her face.
"So you're the one my sister has been telling me about?" Lance asked, looking Merlin up and down. "You're the one… that's made her so happy?"
"Lance, can it—"
"I should hope so," Merlin said, goofy grin back in place.
"Thank you," Lance said, walking towards him. "Thank you for making her smile again. I've missed seeing her happy."
"Look, Lancelot—"
Lance placed his hand on Merlin's shoulder.
"Don't worry," he said, lowering his voice, "the grudge I have against Arthur does not extend to you, even if you do encourage their relationship."
Merlin sighed.
"Don't let her give up on her life," he said, looking straight into Merlin's eyes. "She's the only thing I have left in this world. I can't bear to lose her."
"I can't either," Merlin whispered back.
Lance stepped back, giving Merlin a quick nod.
"I'll stop by to see you later, Freya," he said, smiling at his sister. "Promise me you'll take care of yourself."
"I will, Lance," she said, "as long as you promise me you'll do the same for yourself."
He nodded, glancing quickly towards Merlin.
"Take care of my sister for me," he said.
"Right-o," Merlin said, winking at Freya, who looked mortified.
Lancelot stared at him for a moment before shaking his head and making his exit.
"Right…o?"
Merlin shrugged. "Sometimes I can't stop the words that come out of this beautiful mouth of mine."
"You're delusional," she said, laying back in bed, suddenly feeling very tired.
Merlin sat next to her on the bed.
"Why didn't you tell me you had a brother?" he asked after a few moments.
Freya opened her eyes and placed one hand over his.
"My brother's afraid that, if someone finds out, they can hurt me or use me to get to him. He's…so paranoid," she said, sighing. "Always getting himself in trouble."
"It's a good thing you're related," Merlin said, smiling. "I could not compete with those cheekbones."
Freya did not smile.
"Freya?"
"Merlin," she said, looking up at him. "How do you know my brother?"
"I mean, he was Gwen's boyfriend for a short time," he said, giving her a confused look. "Did he not tell you about that?"
"No," she said. "No, he didn't."
Freya tapped her nose with her finger. Merlin smiled.
"Someone's thinking hard about something," he said, mimicking her.
She stopped tapping and glared at him.
"You have your idiosyncracies, and I have mine," she said, sticking her tongue out.
"You're a child," he countered, leaning towards her.
"If that's true, then this," she said, gesturing at the limited space between them, "is very inappropriate, Dr. Merlin."
"I take it back, then," he said, before closing the small distance between their bodies.
As his lips collided with hers and his fingers slid under her hospital gown, all thoughts of her brother fled her mind.
"We're here."
Gwen heard the sound of the car door opening and felt the cool autumn breeze tickle her legs.
"Can I take off this blindfold now?"
"Not yet," Arthur whispered in her ear. "Just bear with me a little longer."
"Are you sure you don't want me to stick around, sir?" she heard Charles ask.
"No, that will be all, Charles," Arthur said. "I'll call you when we're done."
Gwen felt his hand slip into hers.
"Follow me, Guinevere," he said.
He walked, carefully leading her along for a few moments. Gwen could feel the grass under her shoes as she walked, and the faint sound of rushing water. She lifted her head and sniffed the air.
"What on earth are you doing?" Arthur asked.
"I'm using my other senses!" Gwen said, excitement in her voice. "Like Daredevil."
Arthur chuckled. "Of course you are. And what have you deduced from your other senses?"
"That I have no idea where I am," she said, sighing.
"Well you're about to find out," he said, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Please, sit down."
She carefully lowered herself to the ground, and was surprised to find herself sitting on warm, soft fabric. A moment passed before she felt Arthur's fingers remove the tie from around her head.
Her hand flew in front of her eyes, protecting them from the sun's rays. After a few moments, she slowly opened her eyes and peeked through the gaps in her splayed fingers.
She gasped.
They were sitting at the mouth of a lake, under a tree bursting with pink blossoms. Similar tries surrounded the lake's edge, reflecting beautifully over the water. It looked like something straight of a Monet painting.
As her eyes scanned the fabric below her, she realized that Arthur had somehow managed to prepare a picnic of sorts. The red fabric below them was covered with a variety of different foods from fruit, cheese, and sandwiches to a bottle of very expensive looking red wine.
"You like it?"
Arthur's voice was soft, and she could sense the hesitation in his voice.
She turned to him, placing one hand on his shoulder.
"It's perfect."
He sighed, looking relieved.
"I'm glad," he said, grinning. "Merlin worked very hard on the display."
Gwen laughed.
"I should have known he was behind this," she said, shaking her head.
"When I suggested cooking the food myself, he immediately volunteered," Arthur said, scowling. "Says he doesn't want me to poison you."
"That bad?"
Arthur winced. "I'm afraid so."
"Well, that's too bad," she said, with an exaggerated sigh. "That's a deal breaker for me."
She grabbed a grape and popped it in her mouth, relishing in the shocked expression on his face.
"Really?"
"Oh absolutely," she said without hesitation. "Cheese Soufflé or bust."
They looked at each other in silence for a few seconds, before laughing simultaneously.
"I thought you were serious there for a moment," Arthur said still smiling as he poured wine into her glass.
"Of course not." She took a long sip from her glass. "Though I do think it's an important skill to learn."
Arthur piled food on their plates, setting them down in the small space between their bodies.
"I've always had someone to cook for me," Arthur said, looking thoughtful. "Sometimes, my mother would cook, sometimes it was Martha. Though I always liked my mother's food better."
He smiled and his eyes were bright with excitement at the memory.
"She had this book of recipes that she updated whenever she thought of something new. And I always got to be the taste tester." He grinned even wider. "She made the most delicious cookies and would fill the jar every month."
Gwen took another long sip of wine. His face was so alive and excited, like a child. She had never seen him like this before.
In an instant it was gone.
"This was her favorite place," he said. "None of us have been here since she got sick. It was far too painful for all of us."
"I'm sorry," Gwen said. "I didn't realize..."
"She has early onset Alzheimer's," he said quickly. "The doctors said it was likely triggered by something, but they haven't been able to figure out what. She barely remembers who I am most of the time."
Gwen entwined her fingers with his and squeezed.
"It must have been really hard for you to come here, to be reminded of that." She lifted her head to look up at his pained eyes. "Thank you for bringing me here. I can see why she loved this place; it's beautiful."
She hesitated for a moment, strengthening her resolve, before sidling over to sit in his lap, her back pressed against his warm chest.
"If I had known you were going to do this," he said, snaking his arms around her waist, "I would have definitely brought you here ages ago."
Gwen blushed.
"Not only that," Arthur said, resting his chin on the crown of her head. "Being here, with you, I can be myself. It feels so natural. I was… worried you'd spend five minutes with me and change your mind."
She frowned. "Why would you think that?"
"Most women who come after me do so because they want access to money or status," he scoffed. "But you… you don't seem to want that. And sometimes I feel that's all I have to offer."
Gwen turned to face him, her mouth agape.
"You have nothing to offer?" She shook her head in disbelief. "Arthur…that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. I don't need anything from you. Just be yourself. That's enough for me."
He looked at her eyes, eyes that always seemed to be looking straight through him. She was too close to him, he realized. So close that he could count every freckle on her cheek and feel her breath against his cheek.
Her heart sped up as his eyes traveled from the bridge of her nose to the curve of her lips, lingering there for a moment. She two was aware of the small gap between them.
Slowly, hesitantly, she pressed her lips to his. After a moment, she placed her hand on his chest to steady herself in his lap.
It took Arthur a moment to process what was happening. However, it didn't take long for his senses to take over. He wrapped a hand around her waist, and buried the other deep in her curls, pulling her even closer. He could feel the soft outline of her form against his chest rousing something in him that had remained dormant for years.
She deepened the kiss, pressing him against the base of the tree. Her hand traveled slowly down the length of his chest, landing atop his thigh.
"Guinevere," he said, his voice gruffer than he expected.
She pulled away, her hair a mess, her lips pink and swollen, her eyes questioning.
Beautiful, Arthur thought, moving his hand from her to rest on her cheek.
"I don't know how to say this…"
"Oh gosh," Gwen said, slightly panicked, "Did I do something wrong? I'm a rubbish kisser, aren't I? I can't believe it took me this long to realize it—"
He kissed her, lightly, cutting her words short. A soft moan escaped her lips as she grasped the fabric of his shirt, pulling him closer.
He broke away again.
"Arthur?"
"Guinevere," he said, breathing deeply, "God… if you keep doing that…"
She cocked her head to the side. "Keep doing what?"
"Kissing me… like that," Arthur said, lowering his eyes to met hers. "It makes me…not want to stop."
Her face colored slightly.
"Oh."
She climbed off his lap and sat next to him against the tree. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pressing his head against her hair.
"I have an entire month with you," Arthur said after a few moments. "I want to take my time, savor ever moment, take it as slow as I can."
Gwen sighed. "And I was the one who said no kissing on the first date."
"It's taking quite a bit of control for me not to push you against that tree, and kiss you senseless," he admitted. "But my goal is to show you I'm the better man. Not that I'm the better kisser. I'm sure I've made the latter clear to you already."
He grinned.
Gwen gave him a light shove. "Arrogance is not attractive, Arthur."
"I'm not being arrogant," he said. "I'm merely stating a fact."
She rolled her eyes.
"You're right," she said. "I got a little carried away. Won't happen again. Ever. I promise."
"Let's not get too hasty—"
"I'm going to become a nun," she said, solemnly. "Only then can I forgive myself for my heinous act."
"Kissing me is a heinous act?"
She giggled.
"No, Arthur." She turned and pressed her lips to his ear. "Giving into temptation."
Gwen lowered herself down to the ground, watching with satisfaction as his face colored slightly.
Arthur wasn't the only one who hadn't lost his touch.
"Sleeping Beauty?"
Mordred turned to look at his friend, skeptically, after examining the brightly colored poster.
"Yes!" Annie exclaimed, her green eyes flashing with excitement. "That's my favorite movie ever. It's this year's third grade play!"
Mordred turned back to look at the poster, cocking his head to the right.
"I'd give anything to be the princess," Annie said, sighing. "But… I probably won't get the part."
Annie looked down at her shoes, looking dejected.
"That's not true, Annie!" Mordred said, the indignation in his voice surprising even him. "You're pretty and nice and you always color cordinamate. That's what princesses do, right?"
Annie blushed, refusing to look up at him.
He placed his hand on her shoulder. "I can even give you some red skittles for good luck!"
She gasped.
"Really? But those are the best ones!"
He nodded, solemnly. "I know."
She bit her lip for a moment, thinking hard.
"Even with the skittles," she said, "I'm still nervous. I've never been in a school play."
Mordred was now sure Annie was a witch like his nanny. He had a similar warm feeling in his tummy when she was around. Except with, Annie, it was different. He didn't like that she was afraid—he wanted to see her smile again.
"I'll try out with you!" he blurted out before he could stop himself.
"Really?" She looked up at him, hope shining in her eyes. She clasped his hands in hers. "You would do that for me?"
Mordred gulped.
"I… uh… yes?"
"Oh thank you!" She hugged him fiercely, jumping up and down in excitement. "It'll be so fun, I promise!"
She separated from him and placed a light kiss on his cheek.
"You're the best!"
He lifted his hand to his cheek, feeling slightly dizzy, as he watched her literally skip down the hallway in sheer joy.
Maybe she's a good witch like Ginny or Hermione, he thought, in an attempt to reassure himself.
Something had possessed him to offer her the red skittles. He only offered the red skittles to his daddy or Auntie Morgana. And he'd offered them to Annie, just so she'd smile again.
Not to mention that he'd offered to try out for this play. He didn't know the first thing about acting! What was he even thinking?
He pictured Annie's smiling face, her excitement, her happiness—for once in his life, he was doing something to make someone else feel better.
He would try his best not to disappoint her, even if that meant consulting the supreme witch herself.
"We should head back to the city soon, shouldn't we?"
They were laying on the picnic blanket now, Arthur on his back, arms behind his head, and Guinevere on her side, facing him.
"Back to my mountain of work," Arthur said with a sigh. "I haven't felt this relaxed in years. I've completely forgotten what it's like to let loose."
"Me too," Gwen said. "Before I started working for you, I'd forgotten how to just have fun. I was always so preoccupied about the next rent bill, always working as many hours as humanly possible."
She rolled onto her back, placed her arms behind her head, and smiled as she stared up at the blue sky.
"Sometimes I wish I wasn't the CEO of a company—that I just lived a normal life with a decent job," Arthur said, smiling. "Maybe I'd be a farmer."
Gwen snorted.
"I can hardly see you toiling away at the fields all day."
"Of course I'd bring Merlin with me," Arthur scoffed, "He'd do all the hard work."
"I'm sure he'd love that," she said, smiling widely.
They sat in silence for a while, both looking at the bright blue sky, lost in their thoughts.
"I always dreamed of having another life," she said after a few moments. "A life where my mother, father, and brother were all alive and well. Maybe I'd be a singer or a published author—"
"You…have a brother?"
"He disappeared over 8 years ago," she said, after another long pause. "About a year before my father's accident. They had a bit of a falling out and Elyan… he just left. Never turned back."
Arthur frowned. "Not even when your father…"
She shook her head.
"I doubt he even knows my father passed away. I don't understand why he's never even tried to contact me. I sometimes wonder… if he's even still alive."
Arthur reached for her free hand, entwining it with his own.
"I'm sorry you've been through so much pain, Guinevere."
Gwen squeezed his hand, her eyes remaining fixed on the horizon.
"I won't deny it—it has been difficult," she said. "I've always felt like I wasn't a real person. Like I was going through the motions of life, doing what I had to do to stay afloat."
She turned to face him, a soft smile on her face.
"Strangely enough, I think this job is the best thing that could have happened to me."
Arthur chuckled. "Can I quote you on that?"
"No, seriously," she said. "Of course it's had its ups and downs. But I'm grateful. I don't feel lost anymore. I feel at home. Almost like part of the family."
"You are part of the family," Arthur said.
"Not quite," she said softly. "Mordred—"
"I know my son. Mordred likes you more than he'd like to admit," he said, chuckling a bit. "You noticed the pictures of the flaming nannies on his walls have disappeared, right?"
Gwen giggled.
"Hiring you," he said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, "was the best decision I've ever made."
She raised her eyes to meet his, stunned by the sincerity and warmth in his blue eyes.
"I looked like a crazy person," she said, smiling wryly.
"You did," Arthur said, grinning. "I thought you were out of your mind. But then again, so is my son. Match made in heaven, I'd say."
She gave him a playful shove.
"Speaking of my son," he said, pulling himself up to a sitting position. "He's going to be back from school soon. We'd better head back."
He offered his hand, which she gladly took.
"We should do stuff like this more often," Gwen said.
Arthur smirked. "Is that your way of saying you want to go out with me again?
Gwen blushed. "No! I mean… I had a great time! And this place is wonderful, and you're wonderful, and I'm not implying that… I don't want to be too forward… Oh God… I didn't mean…"
He pressed his lips to the back of her hand, silencing her.
"Would you do me the great honor," he said, lifting her head to look into her eyes, his fingers still entwined with hers, "of going out with me again, Guinevere?"
His soft gaze was making her dizzy. He could see the desire swirling it his eyes mixed with admiration and something she couldn't quite place. Had he always looked at her like that?
"Yes," was all she could manage to say. The evil butterflies in her stomach had highjacked her voice and her face was heating up at an alarming rate.
Pull it together, Gwen! Stop acting like a 12-year-old fangirl! This is Arthur Pendragon, not Edward Cullen!
"You don't know how happy that makes me," Arthur said, chuckling. "I had this whole thing planned out in my head… if you had said no, that would have been pretty awkward for me."
Gwen cocked her head to the side, intrigued.
"What 'whole thing'?"
Arthur made a zipping motion over his lips.
"It had better not be an elaborate rouse to get me in your bed."
She gasped and placed her hands over her mouth, in mortification.
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Guinevere Leodegrance. Did you just make a sexual joke? I thought I'd never see the day."
"Sometimes the words just come out of my mouth before I can stop them…" she mumbled.
"I like when you do that," Arthur said. "It's cute."
"I'm glad you think so." She pointed her lips. "This stupid mouth always seems to get me into trouble."
Arthur gulped, his eyes moving to her lips on their own accord.
"I don't doubt that," he found himself saying before he could stop himself.
Guinevere raised an eyebrow.
"I mean…uh…"
"Master Pendragon!"
He recognized his black Lexus rolling pulling up to the curve. Charles poked his head out of the tinted windows, an odd expression on his face.
Saved by the chauffeur.
"Charles!" he said, his voice more chipper than he had intended. "Have I ever mentioned what impeccable timing you have?"
"No, sir." His voice was slow as though he was waiting for the other shoe to drop. "Quite the opposite."
Arthur chuckled. Charles was always honest to a fault; he liked that about the young man.
"Thank you for picking us up," Gwen said, beaming at him as he opened the door for her. "I hope you weren't on your break or anything."
"Even if I was, Miss Leodegrance, it would be my pleasure." He bowed much lower than was deemed necessary. "If you ever need to get picked up, just give me a call."
He helped her into the limo, placing his hand on the small of her back as he did so.
Arthur smiled. His chauffeur's honesty also made him too obvious. Luckily Gwen was far too oblivious to ever think anything of it.
Charles shut the door after her, turning to face his boss.
"Sir…" he started, looking troubled. "I think there is something you need to see."
He pulled a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to him.
Arthur balked.
Arthur Pendragon and his Naughty Nanny, Gwenefar! Is Camelot's most eligible bachelor back on the saddle?
He recognized the photo; it was the one Morgana had taken when she had visited. Gwen was wearing her little mermaid nighty, her legs in between his own, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist.
"Where did you get this?"
"I was at the convenience store buying some ice cream for my sister," he said. "I saw it at the kiosk in front of the cashier."
"This is bad…"
"I wanted to buy all the copies from the rack, but I could only afford a couple."
"How on earth did they get this?"
"No clue, sir," said Charles, shrugging. "It's a local story in a no name magazine but, if the other magazines catch on, it'll be all over the news stands within the next few days."
Arthur let out a frustrated sigh. What on earth was he going to tell Gwen? What was he going to tell his son?
"Charles," he said, his tone serious. "I'm going to give you my debit card. As soon as you drop us off, I want you to go to every convenience store within 30 miles of here and buy all of these tabloids. I will pay you handsomely—"
"No need," Charles said, raising a hand. "I care for Miss Leodegrance and she doesn't deserve this. I would have done it myself if I had the money."
Arthur smiled despite himself. "I'm glad she has you to look after her. I cannot thank you enough for your discretion."
"Are you going to tell Miss Leodegrance?"
Arthur paused for a moment, thinking.
"No," he said, stuffing the paper into his jeans pocket. "I'd rather she'd not know for now. It might blow over and I don't want to stress her out unnecessarily."
Charles opened his mouth to say something, but thought better of it. Instead, he opened the door for Arthur, who gave him a quick nod in return.
"What was that all about?"
"Charles, was just negotiating his vacation time," he said without missing a beat. "Since it's all business, he didn't want to bore you."
"Ah," she said. "I really hope you gave him a long vacation. He's an amazing driver. I never feel unsafe when he's behind the wheel."
Arthur chuckled. "Well when you have only Merlin to compare him to…"
"That's true," Gwen said, giggling.
They sat in silence for a while, both lost in their own thoughts.
Arthur wondered if he had made the right decision. He wasn't even in a relationship with her (yet) and he was already hiding things from her. She wasn't a child…maybe…maybe
"Guinevere—"
"Arthur, I just wanted to tell you that I had a wonderful time today," Guinevere said, turning to him. "I know I was hesitant before…I felt bad because of what I had done to Lancelot. And while I still feel horrible… I really enjoy spending time with you."
She took a deep breath and looked him in the eye.
"I've decided that I'm not going to spend this entire month hating myself for what I did. What's done is done. I might as well enjoy myself… let myself be happy. And you… you make me happy, Arthur."
She was leaning forward slightly, biting her lip with anticipation. He found his eyes traveling back to her full lips again, and it took all his will power to stop himself from kissing her again.
Arthur put his arm around her instead, pulling her close. Happy didn't quite cover how she made him feel. He couldn't find the words to describe the dizzying, confusing, but wonderful feeling in his chest as he held her. He didn't want it to stop.
The tabloid remained in his pocket, forgotten.
*Delurks*
Hey guys! It's been such a looong time! I sincerely apologize for the hiatus. I got so busy with school and work among other things that I didn't have as much time to update! But I am back and there will be updates! I can't give you definitive dates, but I will def update when I have free time
As always, please let me know what you think! I always love hearing from all of you.
-Miki-hime