Hi, I'm back. It's been little over a week, and as I stated at the beginning of my other story, I have the cord situation temporarily under control. A heartfelt thank you, for sticking with me on this, and STHH, and special thanks to those who took the time to leave a review. Here goes….

Lance Cruz was sitting on his bed, holding an ice-pack against his bruised jaw.

He cursed himself under his breath for behaving the way he did with Gwen.

'I did it again. I've insulted one of the most virtuous women that have ever walked this earth, all because I was jealous.

Her new guy Arthur, looked fit kill me, and he probably would have too, if it hadn't been for her.

I wonder if she realizes the power she has over him. Rich or not, powerful or not, I believe he would go to the moon for her if she ask him to,' he thought to himself.

He sat contemplating his actions, and berating himself, while he nursed his bruised jaw.

Muttering to himself, he said,

"Arthur sure can pack a punch. Oww."

After sitting for a while and tending his jaw, he decided to call Elayna.

'I don't want her to think that I'm avoiding her, besides I want to ask about Jean-Luc,' he thought internally.

He picked up his phone and dialed Elayna's number, and after the third ring, she answered.

"Hello," she said. Lance rolled his eyes and said,

"Hi Elayna, this is Lance. How are things with you and Jean-Luc?" Elayna's heart leapt when he called their son's name.

"Everything's fine. Jean-Luc is good, but he is missing you Lance. How are things with you?" she asked.

Lance hesitated for a few seconds before answering.

"I…uh…things are fine, and I miss him too.

Has he been asking for me, or has he just been noticing that I'm not there?" he asked.

Elayna took the phone from her ear, and looked at it as though it was unrecognizable, or if it had offended her.

"Of course he hasn't been asking for you, he's one-and-a-half Lance, but he keeps looking at the door, or he goes into each room looking around. If he's awake, and the phone rings, he always looks at it expectantly," she said exasperatedly.

Lance felt a pang in his heart, and it made him sad.

"No need to get upset Elayna, it's just, I never thought he would miss me so much… I'm sorry that he's going through that, and I'll find a way to make it up to him," he said.

Elayna's fingers curled into a fist, as anger simmered beneath her less than cool exterior.

"You've been sorry for a while, and you've been making excuses for even longer, so forgive me if I don't believe a word you've said. We need to talk Lance, I don't know what's really going on, but I know we can't go on this way, something has to give," she said, getting angrier by the moment.

Lance was taken aback.

He didn't know that Elayna was harbouring thoughts about the two of them. He just thought that, if he called and pretended he cared,

that she wouldn't question anything, but he can clearly see how wrong he's been.

"Where's this coming from Elayna?

I know we have to talk, but I thought you were fine with us being apart.

I told you why I was leaving France. I want to create something special for us here, and things haven't come together as yet. You know as well as I do, that everything takes time, and I'm doing the best that I can at the moment," he lied.

Elayna couldn't believe what she was hearing, and she replied harshly to him.

"Yes, I was fine at the beginning, because I thought by now, that you would have sent for us already, and I remember clearly, the two of us agreeing that if, you encountered any problems whilst setting things up over there, that you would cut your losses, and return to us, and try to make it work over here.

What's taking so long, Lance?

I've always thought that you were a man of honour, but now I don't know."

Lance felt properly chastised, and he didn't know what to say. He knew without a doubt that everything that she had spoken was indeed the truth.

He had promised that he would go back to France with her and his son, if he didn't succeed, but he also knew that he was lying, and just wanted to get away, to try to win back his ex-girlfriend.

"I…uh…I'm still a man of honour. I don't know what you were expecting.

I just can't give up trying to achieve what I want for us over here.

Yes I have a home, but it takes finances to run it and take care of a family at the same time. I don't want any old job, I want a job that allows me to get these things and more Elayna.

All I'm asking for, is that you give me a chance…a chance to do what's right…for us," he lied again.

Elayna was torn.

She really wanted to believe him, but on the other hand, she felt very strongly, that she shouldn't.

"I don't know what to say Lance.

You say all of these things, but it's hard for me to believe that you mean any of them.

The only thing I actually believe is, that you miss Jean-Luc.

In the time that we've been speaking, not once did you ask about your un-born child, or even act like you were interested.

You could've ask if I've been to the doctor recently, or what did the doctor say at your last check up, anything would have sufficed, but I got nothing. It just shows how much you care," she said.

Lance's jaw dropped, because once again, she had showed him up for the lying bastard he is. Once again he was stumped and he hesitated not knowing what to

say.

After a couple of minutes, he said,

"I'm sorry Elayna.

That was remiss of me, but the pregnancy is still new to me, and I might forget sometimes.

It's not that I don't care, because I do. Maybe when you are much further along, I will be more inclined to remember," he said.

Elayna rolled her eyes unceremoniously. She knew he was lying again, and she was just wanted to end the call.

"Fine, I have to go. I think I hear Jean-Luc calling for me.

Goodbye Lance," she lied.

Lance was relieved to be getting off the phone, but he told her in parting,

"Okay, give Jean-Luc my love, and tell him I hope to see him soon."

Elayna hung up without uttering another word. She sat on the floor watching her son sleep peacefully on a plush rug, surrounded by his

toys.

'Even though I brought it up, he still didn't ask about the baby. I don't know what he's up to, but I'm sure I will find out soon.

Until then, let him believe that we're still in France,' she thought to herself.

She picked up her slumbering son, and took him to his temporary bedroom, placing him on the bed.

She kissed his head softly, and went back out to tidy up his playthings.

Morganna and Merlin were currently enjoying themselves by the pool at Pendragon Manor.

After their breakfast date early that morning, they had decided to spend as much time as they could with each other, so she begged Merlin to take the day off and spend it with her.

Merlin, being who he is, couldn't say no to her, and of course working at her dad's company, made it a whole lot easier for him to.

They were currently sitting poolside with their legs dangling in the cool water, engaged in a conversation. Morganna was asking Merlin,

"So…what do you think those two lovebirds are up to?" Merlin shrugged his shoulders and replied,

"Probably having their lunch, because we all know Arthur likes to eat, and hardly misses a meal, so yeah, that, or…he might be even be looking towards dinner and making suggestions."

Morganna chuckled softly.

"Poor Gwen, she doesn't know what she's in for, because she'll be in the kitchen pretty regular from now on.

It's a good thing that she makes him help," she said cheekily. Merlin threw his head back and laughed loudly.

"I don't know how she got him to that. It's like a dog being trained to do new tricks.

I wonder what she'll have him doing next, maybe his own laundry, or dusting the furniture.

I can just see it, Arthur in an apron with a feather duster, or a vacuum cleaner looking all domestic, oh…my…God!" he said laughing again.

Morganna laugh uncontrollably. She was laughing so hard, she almost fell into the pool.

"God Merlin, I don't know what I'd do if I ever saw Arthur looking like that, I'd probably die of laughter," she said, and started laughing again.

They chatted and made fun of Arthur some more, until they decided it was time to go in and change.

Afterwards, they made their way to the den to hang out and watch television.

Morganna had made arrangements for them to have a light snack, so they sat quietly eating and watching television.

A few minutes later, Morganna's phone began to ring, and she lowered the volume on the TV, to answer.

She smiled sweetly when she saw who was calling.

"Hi Gwennie, How are you this fine day?" she asked playfully. Gwen giggled at her friend, and replied,

"Hi Morgs, I'm fine. What about you?" Morganna smiled happily, as she stole a glance at Merlin, before answering her friend.

"I'm fine Gwen. I'm really glad you called.

I know it hasn't been that long since I've last seen you, but I miss you, and I miss our chats, you know…about guys," she said dropping her voice to a whisper on the last word.

Gwen picked up on it right away.

"Merlin is there with you, isn't he?" she asked.

"Yes, I knew you would get it," Morganna replied, and they both laughed.

"So tell me best friend, what can I do for you?" she asked. Gwen's face broke into a lovely smile, and she said,

"Well, I wanted to let you and Merlin know, that I'll be going on an impromptu holiday with Arthur.

I would have given you proper notice, but you know how he can be, so we'll be leaving just before it gets dark out." Morganna squealed in delight at her friend's news.

"I'm so happy for you Gwen. You deserve some time off, you both do, but especially you," she said honestly.

Gwen smiled at Morganna's enthusiasm.

"Thank you Morgs, it's very kind of you to say that," she said humbly.

"Where are you guys going?" Morganna asked, and Gwen answered,

"To the farmhouse in West Sussex." Morganna squealed again, causing Merlin to look at her with raised eyebrows.

"What a great choice.

It's so beautiful there, and I'm quite sure you'll have lots of fun. You'll have to tell me all about it when you return.

How long will you be gone?" she finished by asking.

"I'm not sure, I'll have to ask Arthur, but I'm guessing a few days, possibly a week," she said. Just then Morganna heard in the background, her

brother's whiny voice calling for Gwen.

"Guinevere, I swear, how long does it take to tell someone, you're going away for a few days?" Morganna giggled and Gwen stifled a laugh.

"I'd better get going Morgs. He's such a big baby sometimes.

Hey, maybe next time, the four of us can all go together," she said sincerely.

Morganna smiled to herself.

"I'd like that very much, so, let's get together at some point, and make a date.

You'd better go before he calls for you again.

Have a great time, both of you." Just then, they heard,

"Gui-ne-vere," and Gwen said,

"Thank you Morgs, um…can you please say bye to Merlin for us?" Morganna replied,

"Of course, now go, and remember to take lots of photos, bye," and they both hung up.

Merlin was curious, but from what he had overheard during Morganna's side of the conversation, he had a pretty good idea on what it could be.

"So… are you going to tell me, or should I guess?" he asked. Morganna rolled her beautiful green eyes at her beloved.

"Well, if you must know Merlin, Arthur is taking Gwen on a romantic get-away to the farmhouse in West Sussex.

I believe he wants to spend as much time as he can with her, before he starts to work at the office.

Who knows how hectic things will become. I think it's a great idea, what about you?" she asked.

Merlin nodded his head yes and replied,

"It's a fantastic idea.

Gwen certainly deserves it, because I can't ever remember Lance taking her anywhere special...bastard." At the mention of Lance's name, Morganna's beautiful face became stony.

"I'll never regret my part in getting that selfish bastard out of her life, that's for sure," she said icily.

Merlin could sense the ire in Morganna, so he decided to change the subject.

"Hey do you think Arthur will pop the question?" he asked. A wide grin suddenly appeared on Morganna's beautiful face.

"I haven't forgotten our bet Merlin, and I wouldn't be surprised if he did.

He's so hooked, and she is too, for that matter," she said.

"Yep, he's a goner alright.

I almost feel sorry for Lance or any other guy, that tries to woo her away from him," he said cheekily. At that they both laughed.

After a while, the two M's decided to get back to what they were doing, although this time, Morganna had different ideas.

She led Merlin by the hand, to sit on the sofa, and as soon as he did, she sat astride him.

Merlin was surprised, and before he could utter one word, she claimed his lips in a deep passionate kiss.

Merlin's surprise was quickly forgotten, and he soon gave as good as he got.

His body, which had seemed like a volcano, lying dormant, was suddenly alive, as it erupted into a ball of passion, which left him feeling as though he was on fire.

In one swift move, he had Morganna flat on her back with him on top of her.

If Morganna was surprised, it was very short-lived, because she placed her arms around his back, and pulled him into her. His only reaction to that, was to ground his hips into hers, making her gasp as she felt his arousal hard against her thigh.

She broke the kiss as she struggled to catch her breath, and she told him,

"Let's go to my room."

Merlin didn't wait for a second invitation, he got up and grabbed her hand, pulling her up with him, as he replied,

"Lead the way."

Arthur watched his girlfriend as she hung up the phone.

He was sitting with his back against the headboard, waiting for her to finish pack for their little getaway.

She had paused to make the call to her friends, and he had begun to get impatient waiting.

Gwen looked at his handsome face and smiled. He held out his arms to her, and she went willingly into them.

"I thought you'd never finish talking to Morganna, he said dramatically. Gwen swatted his hand playfully and said,

"With you doing all of that whining, it's impossible for a girl to have a conversation.

Why were you calling for me?" Arthur's handsome face split into a huge grin.

"If I say that I missed you, would you believe me?" he asked. Gwen pinched him softly, and said,

"You've got to come better than that love. I didn't even leave the room, so come again, and this time, make it good." He hesitated for a beat before saying,

"Fine, I was enjoying myself watching you pack.

You've put in a lot of things that are of particular interest to me, like this for instance."

With that he stretched forwards and took up a red lacy thong, and showed her.

Gwen's jaw dropped, and her immediate reaction was to snatch her underwear from his large hands, and throw it back into the suitcase.

"Arthur!" she exclaimed, and took mock offense.

"What…I find what you are doing interesting, it's just…I find more interest in your clothes, especially your undergarments.

Hey, does that come with a matching bra?" he finished by asking.

Gwen was speechless for a few seconds.

She found herself getting up and taking one of the pillows, with which she whacked him playfully.

"You are incorrigible Arthur Pendragon," she said. Arthur grabbed her and pinned her to the bed with his muscular frame, as he told her,

"Only with you."

At that he proceeded to kiss her breathless. He then rolled off of her, and grinned at the flustered look on her face.

She shook a tiny finger at him, causing him throw his head back, and laugh loudly.

He pulled her up and settled her on her feet, before telling her,

"Time's a-wasting love. Finish your packing, and while you're at it, pack with me in mind."

With that, he slapped her playfully on her bottom, and pushed her gently towards the suitcase.

Gwen looked at his smug face, and shook her head, as she was rendered speechless again.

I wasn't sure where to end this chapter, but I think here's as good a place as any. I hope it was goo enough.