Modern, reincarnation,Arthur and Guinevere meet as kids, but Gwen's the neighborhood bully. (a_g_doren)
Mud Pies – Arthur/Gwen – PG
"Like that mud pie, Artie?" She hovers over him, smaller than him, but fiercely intimidating.
Gwen, Artie Pendragon's neighbor and worst nightmare. He made the mistake of calling her "Guinevere" (again) and she shoved his face into the mud.
She moved away a month later, and the neighborhood breathed a sigh of relief.
xXx
"Is it you?" Arthur gasps, 20 years later. "Merlin, it's her…" He turns to his pale, companion as the dusky-skinned, dark-haired beauty looks up from her tablet.
"Arthur…" she gasps, standing and throwing her arms around his neck.
He squeezes her tightly, burying his nose into her curls. "We've been searching for you, my love," he whispers.
"Merlin," she hugs Merlin tightly, then looks back at Arthur. Her eyes grow wide.
"What?"
"Oh, my God… I'm… I'm sorry…" she squeaks. "About the mud pies… and the spider… and that time I shaved your dog…" She buries her face in her hands.
Merlin covers his mouth to hide his laughter. Arthur? Bullied by Gwen?
Arthur reaches out, takes her hands, and wipes her tears. "I forgive you. We were, what, eight? You couldn't have known," he says softly, kissing her lips.
"Well, you were a bit of a bully in your previous life…"
"Thank you, Merlin," Arthur says, rolling his eyes. He looks at Guinevere, still looking remorseful. "At least it's nice to know that some things stay the same," he adds, smiling. He nuzzles her nose with his, and she finally smiles back.
"I've missed you."