WHEN ARTHUR MET GUINEVERE

Summary: This is the story of how Arthur and Guinevere first met told as a modern fiction so there's a fair bit of AU and OOC. Multi chapters and rated T just in case. In this one there's packing, meetings, a room with a view, and dysfunctional family dynamics (not like in RL at all eh? ;)).

AN: Italics denote POV and Real Time is in normal font so I hope it doesn't get too confusing. Thank you all for the alerts, favourites and reviews - they're much appreciated. Thank you Halo as usual for the assistance...Hope you all enjoy it! :)

Disclaimer: Which i haven't done in a while - my bad. Obviously i don't own Merlin or the characters, but if i did...

Chapter 25: The One With Views

As it turned out, Arthur stayed up until three in the morning catching up on the memos and news that has come in off the international and local business news bulletins of unconfirmed reports that one of PI's companies was in financial ruins after the CEO for one of their largest banking companies in Brighton city was arrested by the police for allegedly embezzling millions and after re-reading the HR directive and PR policies, he had fallen asleep and slept right through all of Merlin's frantic calls to get him up. In the end, Merlin had had to rouse him and give him a clean shirt and tie in the car as they rushed to make the 8 am meeting.

As they attempt to sneak into the conference room now, their slightly late appearance does not go unnoticed by Uther who interrupts Gaius.

"…although how he and the finance manager were able to get away with it for so long is…quite ingenious – forgive me for saying it, of course, it goes without saying that this will be investigated immediately by our firm auditors and risks teams to-"

"Gaius this is something that never should have happened – and wouldn't have if the Deputy Director had been on the ball", the CEO pauses as he turns his deathly stare towards where Arthur is now sitting. No one in the room moves, as the tension cuts the air. Arthur stiffens but does not outwardly react. He is more than aware that the issue is a serious one; however, knowing his father, he chooses not to respond.

"I want a full prelim report by COB today and for God's sake, where is the draft press release? Do I have to think of everything myself? This company was founded on the solid principles, traditions and ethics of the Pendragon line and I don't have to remind all of you to behave in accordance with those principles. No one talks to the press without my approval. I will be vetting all the correspondence myself – Gaius will assist of course, and do not think for one minute that the-"

Arthur clears his throat, and slightly raises his hands, as several directors almost jump, as the tense silence that ensues 90% of the time when 'The Dragon' talks ends. Uther stops his tirade and turns back sharply to where Arthur is sitting calmly.

"Sir, if I may? Given that the Brighton company is under my watch and in accordance with the policies I should be the one to handle the investigation and report so-"

Uther shakes his head furiously, eyes bulging in anger.

"Well I disagree. In this case, you are not ready to handle such a responsibility and I will be assuming this one on behalf of-"

Arthur frowns and breathing deeply, he speaks again.

"But Sir, respectfully, I…I must disagree with your summation".

More uncomfortable silence in the room.

Elyan and Merlin exchange uneasy glances and Gaius leans back in his chair, eyebrows raised. Merlin knows from experience that his mentor is troubled by the exchange taking place.

"You…disagree. On what grounds?" The CEO's tone is impervious and lethally calm.

Arthur remains seated but speaks evenly and respectfully, staring straight up at his father.

"On the grounds that if we are indeed following Pendragon Industries policies and principles, it would be the prudent thing to do. The fallout, in terms of the company's financial status is now at stake, also the employees – they will suffer too, and then the publicity and the shareholders and the stock market issues. I have spent most of the night reviewing the documentation and if we work together - swiftly, I am confident my team can minimize the damage to the company, Sir".

Father and Son stare at each other, each of them not wanting to break eye contact, until Uther suddenly turns back to the other older directors, and catching Gaius' eye contact, he thinks, for a split second he saw his most trusted advisor shoot a lightening approving smirk at Arthur, or maybe it is just the glare of the lights in the room, he can't be sure. When he looks back at Gaius again, the normal frown and slightly raised eyebrows look is back on his face as he patiently waits for Uther's response.

Ever the 'public appearances mean everything' motto bearer, Uther Pendragon barely nods as other Directors begin to offer their opinions to Arthur's suggestion, all more or less wanting to agree, given that this is how the company is supposed to react, etc, etc. Uther does not pay much attention to their talk, but he does watch his son closely as he nods appreciatively at the other heads, and they discuss the plan of action amongst themselves.

As the meeting draws to a close, people troop out to do their various damage control tasks, and Arthur, picking up his files, is leaving with Merlin when Uther calls out to him.

"Arthur? A word in my office please?" Merlin looks back at Arthur and grins uneasily before following Gaius and Elyan out of the room. He hopes Arthur will remember to keep his cool this time.

Arthur's POV

For the first time in a long time, I pause outside his door, take a deep breath and tell myself that: 1) I am not here to shout, 2) to be obnoxious, and 3) this is my father, who despite our differences and tempers, is still a man and…my father. Breathe…

Uther is staring out the large windows, where his penthouse offices look out towards the harbour. Arthur settles into one of the arm chairs in the spacious office and waits patiently.

Without turning around the elder Pendragon speaks, "Do you mind telling me what the hell that was in there? That trick pony show you pulled?"

Arthur sucks his breath back in, willing himself to relax, and then shrugs, "Father, I meant no disrespect, but this is my job – and dealing with this fallout falls under my job description as the Deputy –"

Turning angrily Uther remains near the windows when he cuts him off.

"Arthur do not think that you can overstep your lines in a board meeting – you may be Deputy here but you will obey me. As long as I am in charge, I will call the shots as I see fit and if you think for one minute that –"

Arthur puts his hands up, as if signaling that he is approaching in peace .

"Father, this may be a family company but we have many other people, who work here too, and there are policies, directives…what is the point of having them, if we cannot lead by example? Why am I here if I am not allowed to do my job properly? Do you just like having me around so you can say 'look, here is my legacy to the world?' Or do you have faith that I can follow in your footsteps and do the best I can to lead this company into the future?"

Uther shakes his hand and stares incredulously at his son.

"Do not presume to tell me what I need to do, you forget yourself boy!"

Some of Arthur's patience goes out the backdoor.

"And sometimes I think you do too Father", he retorts.

Uther folds him arms and looks at him.

"What do you mean by that Arthur?"

Arthur sighs, and shakes his head, running a hand through his messy blonde hair, willing himself to calm down – again.

Uther won't let this go though. He continues to watch his son, squirming slightly in the chair.

"No, tell me. Please. Apparently there are many things I don't know how to do – what with running my own successful company for almost 30 years, having my good family name ridiculed, our traditions and background – no less descended from royalty, but no, Arthur, you tell me."

Arthur throws his hands up in resignation.

"Father…Sometimes I think you don't see me for who I am. For what I do – for the company, our work, the workers…It's like it's never enough. I know that I am not just a spoiled rich play boy playing at running the family dynasty. I work hard and I think I am good at what I do. I just…I don't always think you appreciate that, and…I am not sure why…"

He ends his explanation and makes to get up, obviously this discussion is pretty much like every other one they've had over the last few years.

Uther is still smarting and lets out a bitter bark of a laugh.

"Oh I know you are good at what you do Arthur. You have been groomed to take over this company one day. It is your destiny – you're a bloody Pendragon after all. Your problem is, you think too much with your heart. The world as we know it has to be black and white – never grey. You think of things in lots of different ways and it makes it harder for you to rule – to manage. You cannot think straight – and God knows it doesn't help with your choice of cohorts and what not, do not even get me started on that little episode with that cleaning lady when you embar-"

It is this last comment that allows Arthur to lose the last bit of self control he has.

"As the CEO you have every right to question me with work decisions and how I manage things here, but you have no right to dictate or insinuate that my actions and how I think is due to the people I associate with. My private life is-"

"Your private life is my business too! Especially when it infringes upon society as we know it. People need to know their place in life! Pendragon Industries was built on this foundation – you come from royalty. Don't you ever forget the sacrifices and traditions that you were born into! You want to settle down I am glad, but for God sakes, find someone of your status – who understands who you are, and your background, who can be seen with you in public, someone who can help raise the profile of our company, and maintain the Pendragon name and standing. I will be damned if I am going to let you throw that away for some working class girl, it doesn't matter if she has an education. She is not of your –"

Arthur marches right up to his father and points a finger in his face, he is so angry he can barely stand still.

"Don't you ever talk about Guinevere like that! Leave her out of this! You want to berate me about my inadequacies as your successor in like…everything or every way in life, do it, but you don't get to treat her or anyone like a second class citizen Father. I won't stand for it! You have a lot of nerve talking about it again, after you spoke to her a few months ago, giving her the 'status reality check line'. Yeah, I know what you did, she told me about it – she didn't want to and tried to push me away – she even lied to me to spare me the truth because she didn't want us to be having a conversation that resembles this one, but eventually it came out. And I'm glad it did - now that you've opened that door, why don't we talk about that? What are you so afraid of that being with her will happen to me? That maybe I would just finally understand that people who work for PI are not just workers but real people with needs and concerns? That she'd dumb me down? Or maybe make me more human?"

Uther remains steadfast, his voice also raised.

"How dare you? You have no right to-"

"No you have no right to. To force me to be something I am not and I –"

"This is exactly what I mean Arthur! Look at you, standing there, defending her. This…woman that you've known for not even a year and…You've not gotten her- Good God, she's not..pregnant is she?"

"What? No! Father…Stop it! You know this is pointless. You're angry with me, fine. Just don't…I won't have you treat Guinevere this way. She's done nothing wrong and you don't even know her so please just stop it. You've done enough to try and keep us apart, I know because I have let you get into my head for so long, and I can't do that anymore. You just need to trust me that I know what I am doing…in life, with this company…I don't know if I can say anything more on the matter."

Uther moves to his chair to sit down, his face is still stony. He is fuming, but surprisingly, suddenly feels a little sad too. The feeling is overwhelming and utterly irritating for him so he shakes it off and replaces it with fresh ire, looking right up at Arthur who is still standing, clearly wanting to leave.

"You have a lot of work to do if you're going to rectify this Brighton issue. Arthur you want a short answer from me? If you want to show me you have what it takes to run this company then you need to reevaluate your life choices. If you don't, "Uther pauses, and then continues on to stop the rise of the unexpected and annoying lump that's rising in his throat, "you will never ever take over from me".

Arthur stares at his father in disbelief as he lets the words sink in. Then, nodding slightly, he exits the room in silence.

Uther sinks back in his chair and tries not to think too much about what has just happened. He cannot allow himself to think of why his only son – his pride and joy would react so strongly to his objection of the girl in question. Deep down inside he knows why he reacted so strongly. That was exactly how he was all those years ago when his father objected to Ygraine. Shaking away those grey areas of thought, he opens up the folder on his desk.

He knows he is making the right decision and he intends to stand by it. He knows it's the right one. It has to be, doesn't it?

"Well I hope you at least had something to eat, you guys went by the jet? Hey so what time did you sleep anyway after you left last night?" Morgana nudges Elena with a cheeky grin as they accidentally on purpose eavesdrop on Gwen's phone exchange with Arthur, as Gwen struggles to close her bag.

The two of them are helping re: hindering Gwen with her last minute packing preparation at the flat as she is leaving for India early the next day.

"Three am...Oh, that's rough. Yeah, we saw your press conference a while ago. Morgs made a comment that the shirt you're wearing looks like Merlin's…Oh it was? Ha ha ha…Okay, Elena owes Morgs a six pack of ferrero rocher chocolates now – no not money, look, it's a girl thing – we bet for nice stuff, chocolates are nicer than beer, they are! Anyways, they had a bet going 'cos – Yeah, well d'uh! Morgana bought it for him, so technically", she pauses as she turns to where Morgana is sitting, pretending not to be interested in their conversation, "she cheated ha ha…No, Elyan should be back soon. When will you and Merlin be back in town? Okay, well that's fine. I get it Arthur, you don't need to explain, and this is serious business so you have to be there. I think you did great in the interview though. You did! Whatever. Ha ha ha…Cheeky sod. Well, if that's the case, I am glad that the seriously sinful crumble did its job. Ha ha ha. You're only saying that 'cos you want some more. Maybe…When I get back…Yep, 6 am check in. No, Morgana and Elyan, and I think Ellie and Leon will come too, but it's no bother. I am not going forever, just for a while. I know. Arthur…For the fifteenth time, it's all good. If you can, you will. I am…the area is beautiful, scenic, rural…yeah; I bet there are some great views! I will definitely be taking heaps of photos. I have to go…Yes. I have two 'helpers' who are more interested in our conversation then helping me check my bags. Ha ha ha. Yeah, that's what Lance said too. Yes, he does email. You know that. He said he'd be back in a couple of months for the director's seminar so it will be good to see them. I said them, not him. As in Percy and Gwaine too! You're awful! Ha ha. Okay, really have to go now. Sure. Please eat something. Ha ha ha, I will. Oh and Arthur? Safe trip back…Bye".

Hanging up, Gwen smiles to herself for a moment, before turning back to where her two girlfriends are sitting on the couch grinning manically at her.

"What?" she questions, blushing slightly.

Morgana shrugs innocently and then imitating her voice, dramatically making it sound all teary and romantic, she says, "Please eat something…Oh and Arthur? Safe trip back…"

Gwen sticks her tongue out at her and they all crack up with laughter.

"When you've both finished being fourteen, please come and have a look at my checklist again. I am only taking two bags but want to make sure I stick to the list. Maybe I should take more stuff out…"

Elena gets up obediently, moving towards Gwen's kitchen counter to consult the list. Morgana remains on the couch and smiling mischievously at Gwen she motions towards her bags, with all the contents strewn across the carpet.

"Okay, one more comment then I'm done being fourteen."

Gwen braces herself and waits for it as Morgana jumps up and moves to stand next to her.

"Is Mr. Arrogant a good kisser?" she says in a school girl voice. Elena giggles and Gwen shrugs and blushes again, laughing, she shakes her head and moves towards her bags.

Gwen's POV

I don't know – yet…Stop mentally swooning Gwen, pack your bags. Er yes, sorry!

AN: This one was a bit shorter than previous chapters...Mainly because I wanted Arthur and Uther to have another one of their 'lovely' father/son chats :) As always thanks for sticking around and reading guys! If you have time, i love reviews and feedback, so please drop me a line.

Gwen's off tomorrow! Does Arthur arrive there in time? Hmm...Chapter 26...