A/n: sex and cursing by Arthur!
Sekhmet skipped like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz as she entered the darkness. Hel needed to hire a better household staff. Or was this her décor? This place was downright rank. Little creatures crawled everywhere. They were just nasty. One eyed or a couple of hands… misshapen and horrible. It smelled like a sewer system. Hel wasn't much to look at part flesh and part disease. What can I really expect? Her hands held the remnants of Morgause's head. Smirking, she tossed them on Hel's altar.
"Your servant is dead."
"She was poor excuse of a servant. She annoyed me."
Sekhmet shrugged. "She's gone. Under our agreement, Arthur Pendragon is free from your harm."
Hel crackled in delight. "I never wanted Arthur dead. I never wanted the baby dead. I wanted your little band of knights destroyed. I wanted them to implode. Gawain and Vivian tore a whole into the fabric of your merry little team. "
"Don't count your chickens until they hatch. Then, again… one of your minions might eat them."
8888
Gwen snuggled on Arthur's lap; she was still in a bit of shock over today's events. Her boys saved the day. Gwen wanted to strangle Duran as he raced through London's streets with Grace. Gracie enjoyed every minute of it. She reached for her pram when Gwen scooped her up into her arms. Her admiration grew for her little boy when he planted his little hands on his waist, and demanded that she remain in the house with Will until Daddy returned home. It seemed like a deep burden slipped from her shoulders. Morgause was dead; her baby was safe.
Arthur stroked Gwen's hair softly. She felt amazing in his arms. A few hours ago, he wanted to make love to her until the early morning hours. Now, he wanted to savor the feel of her in his arms. Serenity crept into his bones.
"Happy," Arthur inquired.
"Very," Gwen replied snuggling in his hard arms.
Arthur's eyes lifted towards the door when he heard movement in the hallway. He placed a finger on Gwen's lips. Carefully, he settled Gwen into a chair. Grabbing Excalibur, Arthur poised to strike as he stood next to the door. He jumped in surprise when the door hit his face. His sword clanged loudly when it hit the ground.
"Gwen," Vivian gushed as she raced towards Gwen. Arthur rubbed his nose in dismay. She finally shows up a day late and a pound short.
Gwen huddled her sister close in her arms. "What's wrong, Vivian?"
"Lancelot found out that …. I had… taken Gawain as a lover," Vivian admitted mournfully.
Arthur's blood boiled. Vivian- who sat in judgment of Guinevere in both of her lives. Vivian with her smug and condescending ways. Took Gawain to her bed after she chased after a wounded Lancelot for months. Disgust filled Arthur's mind.
"You did what… he didn't want to start anything with you. You chased after him. You flirted. What was Gawain thinking! He said you were off limits. He didn't love you in this life. Yeah, he said it. How could you do this Lancelot? He's a good man. Guess what, he was here today. He protected my family. He paid his dues. This is what he gets from you, Vivian!"
Gwen watched in surprise as Arthur stormed from the room. Gwen followed him as he slipped his feet into his shoes.
"Where are you going?"
"To find Lancelot; he needs me."
Gwen knew that Arthur loved Lancelot. She was a bit surprised at his devotion to him, after everything.
"Even after the affair, he's my best friend; Merlin was my advisor. Lancelot is my best friend. That never changed. I need him. I'm a big baby. I can't do this without the three of you. I need Merlin to advise. I need him at my right hand during battle. I need you waiting for me at home," Arthur admitted. "I'm not losing everything over sex again."
Arthur grabbed Gwen, and bestowed a passionate kiss on her lips before he walked out of their home.
"Don't wait up for me."
8888
Morgana found Gawain sitting in Kensington Park. Her dark hair blew around her face.
"So, you tore a page from my playbook. You caused destruction and mayhem. You're trying to figure away out."
"Shut up…"
"I saw this day…"
"Be quiet…"
"I saw this day over a thousand years ago. She hurt you. She loves Lancelot more than she loves you. You tried to relive your youth. It didn't work. She's different. Vivian, Merlin, Morded, and Gwen get to be different people, not us. We are the same monsters… "
Gawain wasn't in the mood for Morgana. He didn't want to hear her truths. Vivian's devotion to Lancelot ripped his heart out. She didn't really love him. It was the excitement. He could still see Lancelot's face; Gawain didn't know what to say.
"I loved her."
"Once upon a time, she loved you. She is not your soul mate."
Gawain closed his eyes. "I thought…"
"She is not the one that has loved you in a state of madness. She's not the one that's here trying to make you feel better. You know this… your heart knows this. When you are truly ready to accept the calling of your heart… come find me."
Morgan retreated into a grey mist; leaving Gawain lost in his thoughts.
8888
"Lancelot."
Arthur knew that he would find Lancelot near London's Eye. What a stupid name for a Ferris wheel.
"Arthur, will I always be cursed? Can I never redeem myself? Can I never be forgiven for one lapse in judgment?"
Arthur clamped his hand on Lancelot's shoulder. "Gwen returned to me when I forgave myself. I was a horrible husband to her. We were horrible to each other. We have a fresh start. Forgive yourself…. Forgive her, and let it go. You're a good man. I forgave you years ago. I need you."
"It's hurts…"
"I know. I will deny this conversation until I die. You're good guy, Lancelot. I need you. Shake it off, Mate."
Lancelot face's distorted with sadness as he cried uncontrollably.
"Don't… come on. Stop beings so Emo."
Lancelot looked Arthur at his befuddlement in his eyes.
"Emo?"
"Learned it from my boys. Stop being emotional. Dude, cry tonight. Then… it's like fuck her. Man up."
Arthur's moved his head in indecision.
"Damn."
He wrapped his arms around Lancelot. "Just cry it out. I swear if people ask if you're my partner… I love you, Lancelot."
"I love you too, Arthur."
"This conversation never took place."
"Understand."
8888
"Are you going to yell?"
"No, you made a mistake."
Tears slid down Vivian's sad face. "It was exciting… new… I didn't know. Then, I saw his face. I knew that Gawain was my past. I ruined my future. I'll never forgive myself. He's a good man." Gwen rocked Vivian as she sobbed in her arms.
Epilogue
One week later
Arthur sat in a stunned silence. Merlin worked his nerves, and he didn't have any words for Morgana. At least, Morgause was dearly departed. The thought always made him smile. He couldn't believe that Freya was his daughter. She was a girl... a reincarnated version of Morded. He could sense only goodness from Freya. Arthur wrapped her in his arms when she described the death of her earth father, Cenred. She too had suffered Morgause's wrath.
"Merlin, have you touched my teenage daughter?"
Flushing, Merlin jumped from his feet, "Gwen help me! He's going to kill me."
One month later
Lancelot jumped on Gawain's back, and his fists pounded his head as they rolled around on a mat. Leon offered Arthur a wry look.
"Is this a good idea?"
Arthur nodded. "Yes, they need to work it out like warriors.
Percy merely shrugged.
"I think Gwen's making brownies.
"Sounds good."
Three months later
Arthur hoped his face was blank. Catrina's words assaulted his mind. He knew that Leon went there. Who knew that it still worked? She was forty-four. He watched Gwen hugging her mother.
"Congrats, fatherhood is amazing."
Leon looked so happy. "A baby."
Arthur exhaled. Everything is perfect. She's going to make another Vivian. I adored the first version. Maybe, she'll leave Gwen alone for a minute. Doubtful!
888
Sekhmet bounced Gracie in her arms. Arthur looked on proudly as his girl charmed the goddess.
"When will you make your other daughter?"
Arthur looked at her in embarrassment. "It's not that easy. We have four children. I'm a busy man. I have your missions. I have to watch over Llacheu… he wants to date. Duran needs more clothes. I have to follow Merlin and Freya. The baby wants to walk. I'm supposed to impregnate Guinevere at your whims."
"Yes… soon."
"Fine, when Gracie is two."
"Fair enough."
"Question, Llacheu has a pimple…
"By the way, the boys are starting to age. They will be fine warriors."
Arthur counted to ten. "Morgause was a onetime thing. Until they have graduated from an University… over 21," Arthur demanded. "Live on their own… they aren't starting here. I don't care what Gwen says. The world's oldest children need to get a flat at 21 and a job. Off limits. My girls are forbidden to you…. they aren't warriors. Daddy's princesses"
"Of course." Sekhmet blinked at him. "Really, stop being so medieval."
One year later
Morgana poured Gawain a steaming cup of tea. He eyed it warily. Morgana glowed with happiness.
"I don't make special tea any longer."
"You're insane."
"I prefer mad. People have to guess which one."
"This will take time."
"I'm not going anywhere.
18 months later
Gwen poured Lavender shampoo over her damp hair as the water sprayed form the shower. It was a hectic day. Gracie was deeply into her terrible two or just acting like Arthur. Duran was a mess as usual. Llacheu was in love. Merlin and Freya wanted to get married. Arthur said no until she graduated from school. Finally, she had a bunch of free time on her own. Merlin and Freya caused many arguments between Gwen and Arthur. Arthur missed Gwen's smirk when Arthur muttered about protecting Freya's virtue. Gwen didn't have the heart to tell him that it was gone, long gone.
Humming, Gwen enjoyed her free moments of peace. She stood under the spray of warm water. She shivered when a pair of large hand snuck around her chest to cup her soapy breasts.
"Forgiven."
"Until tomorrow, when you do it again."
"Okay, I'll take it."
Arthur massaged Gwen's hair until clear water raced down her back. He dropped a few kisses along her damp neck.
"I'm clean, Arthur."
"It's soap and water. It won't be dirty."
Arthur slide his hands along her damp body. He caught her lips in a series of quick kisses. Pushing Gwen's back into the cool tiles of their shower.
Gwen raised her lips, and captured Arthur's lips. Arthur lifted Gwen into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist. Gwen gasped when Arthur surged into her.
"See, you're ready for me."
"Oh, Arthur."
Smiling, Arthur set a steady rhythm as he sucked on Gwen's neck. Her fingers scraped his back. He knew Gwen was close by her movements. Arthur sank his teeth into her shoulder, and drank deeply as Gwen convulsed around him. His eyes closed as he filled her womb with his seed.
They stood under the cool water for a brief moment.
Gwen looked at the bathroom door when she heard someone banging on it.
"Mummy, Daddy. Ran and Me waiting hurry."
Arthur closed his eyes.
"Really?"
"It's called children."
The next day
Lancelot strolled through the park with Gracie grabbing his hair as she sat upon his shoulders.
Lancelot actively avoided Vivian over the last two years. It wasn't easy. Yet, he managed never to be in her company. He couldn't avoid Gawain. They resolved their differences shortly after the incident. Vivian cut him to the bone. Gwen claimed that he was silly. How can you forgive one, and not the other? Lancelot sadly explained that he forgave Vivian. He just couldn't see her again. He couldn't trust his heart.
"Gentle."
Gracie giggled as she wrapped her arms around his eyes and squeeze tightly." Sorry, Lance. Love Lance." Gracie rained kisses on Lancelot's forehead.
"Okay, would you like a biscuit? How about Starbucks."
"Chocolate."
Lancelot grinned as he strolled to Starbucks.
Gracie dropped his hand as her golden curls went flying around her adorable face. She scampered towards the one person that he didn't want to see.
"Viv… Auntie Vivi," she yelled.
Lancelot rolled his eyes. She got that from Arthur.
Summoning his courage, Lancelot shuffled over to Vivian's table. She looked an amazing.
"Vivian."
"Lancelot, how are you?"
"Lonely," he didn't mean for the word to slip from his lips.
"Me too."
Lancelot slipped into a chair. "I'm not mad or angry. Not even hurt, I forgave you."
Vivian shook her blonde hair. "Not me, I still—"
"Let's have a mocha, and chat."
"Okay."
888
"So you filthy dirty, monstrous being of the dark. I win. Goodness will always prevail. It might take longer; but I always get my happy ending, Wench."
Sekhmet pulled her head back from the darkness of the eternal realm. Grinning, she grabbed a goblet of blood, and started to sort her Pokémon cards.
Six week later
Sekhmet happily knitted a sweater on Arthur's sofa as Gwen looked nervously at her husband.
"Oh, Arthur," Sekhmet called sweetly.
"I'm watching a match. You know the rules.
"I don't have any rules, Arthur."
'Arthur, we're going to have a baby."
"Okay, just give birth in a hospital this time. Don't like the whole home birth thing. Take Merlin in with you. Not my thing… too damn old for that. My arms still have need imprints. Just scary. I love you. It's a girl. We'll name her Lucy Igraine"
Sekhmet and Gwen exchanged looks, and burst out laughing.
"He'll never change."
Gwen smiled. "He's perfect." Lucy Igraine… that sounds horrible. It will make him happy.
"Fine, Darling, "Gwen muttered. "By the way, the children aren't moving out at 21."
A/n: thanks for reading!