Arthur thrust his hands into his silky blonde hair as stared at Merlin with huge blue puppy dog eyes.
"She's perky… adorable… kind… sweet… caring. She's everything that I never wanted in a woman. Her hair isn't bleached, and her boobs are real. She actually eats. She cooked for me. She asks about my day. She fed me," Arthur mumbled as he twisted his fingers into his hair. "I love her. I don't know how she feels about me. I can't stop thinking about her. I'm in love, and I don't like, not in control. Hate not being in control. It's been less than three months."
Arthur impulsively grabbed a pillow and wrapped his arms around it. He gave it a tight squeeze. Merlin sat dazed as he stared at his mate. He didn't quite know what to say. Arthur and Morgana were emotionally damaged. Merlin dealt with Morgana and her crazy ways. He always saw a lost little girl with trembling red lips and sad wet green eyes. She needed unconditional love. Morgana was a witch. She loved Merlin, and pushed him to reach his dreams. Losing Igraine destroyed their family. Uther tried to raise them properly. He raised them like mini corporations, instead of children. He loved and adored his children. Morgana needed constant attention and adoration. Arthur was afraid to open his heart to anyone. He liked his women available, good-looking, and shallow like a wading pond. He lost his heart to a simple girl with a big heart. Poor Arthur was frightened about losing Guinevere before he truly ever had her.
"Arthur, she likes you. She'll love you. You're a good man. You deserve a nice girl."
Arthur churned his face into a grimace. "I don't want to hurt her. I don't want to rush her. I just want her to be in my life forever."
"Tell her."
Carrying a small bag, Morgana stumbled into the living area. Her beautiful face twisted in pain. "Arthur, stop being a girl. This is why I'm older then you. Tell her or I shall. Merlin, it's time to meet our daughter. Let's leave for the hospital."
Arthur and Merlin stared at Morgana dumbfounded.
"Vivian isn't due until next week."
"My water broke."
"My mother isn't here."
"Hunith wasn't here when we made her," Morgana yelled. "This is not pleasant."
"She's coming in the morning, Morgana," Merlin whined mournfully.
"Vivian is coming now," Morgana replied loudly. "One of you is going to take me to the hospital. I'm going to push my daughter out of my body. When the pain fades, I'm coming after you, both of you. Make a choice: drive me or feel my wrath."
Arthur blinked. "I'll get my car, Merlin."
"Don't leave me, Arthur," Merlin whined. "She's scary."
8888
Arthur couldn't believe his luck. Gwen worked in Morgana's hospital. He wondered if they could have met in an elevator or bumped into each other grabbing a cup of tea. His lips curved into a bright smile. He realized Guinevere would have found ice cubes for her tea. His girl was special. Guinevere was his girl. Arthur rounded a corner to find Gwen standing in some sort of cubicle. A deep scowl imprinted across her sweet face. He detected a bit of fire in her eyes. He gritted his teeth when her companion brushed his fingers across her cheek. He saw Gwen step away from his embrace; Arthur increased his pace to defend Guinevere. His instincts told him to wait to allow Gwen to handle her friend. He didn't want to hurt her self -esteem by charging to her rescue. Something in her eyes told him that she could handle her situation. Smiling, Gwen stumbled slightly pouring her hot coffee across the man's legs. He howled in pain as he hopped around. His little darling went into apologetic mood as she fussed and fawned over her victim, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Arthur exhaled as he watched her.
She's a minx.
Her skin puckered; Gwen felt his eyes on her. She knew Arthur was close by. Her brown eyes search for his until she found him lounging against a harsh white wall. Excusing herself, Gwen rushed over to Arthur. Helios was a moron. He always hit on her. He said horrible things to her. Gwen finally snapped. Grinning, Gwen hugged Arthur tightly.
"How's Baby Vivian?"
"Screaming and beautiful, would you like to see her?"
"Can't wait.
"He could have a serious burn."
"Passive aggressive, you never see it coming."
Arthur chuckled. "Can you go now?"
"My day is done. I'm yours."
Arthur's eyes held a possessive gleam at Gwen's words. She shivered slightly as she entwined their fingers.
"I just need to grab my pockey book."
"What is a pockey book?"
"A purse. Granny… Grandmommy's mother called them Pockey book."
Arthur shook his head. "I should have guessed."
8888
Arthur and Gwen quietly rode the elevator towards the maternity ward. Gwen thought it was odd that the lights kept blinking on and off. Arthur drew her closer to him. Suddenly, the elevator shook and the lights blinked off.
"This is unexpected."
"Are you okay, Gwen?'
"Peachy."
Arthur shrugged his jacket off. He arranged it like a blanket on the elevator floor. Gently, he lowered Gwen to his jacket. Arthur sat behind Gwen and wrapped her in his arms to keep her safe.
"You're awful forward."
"Do you want to get up?"
"Nope."
Gwen listened to his heartbeat.
"Arthur?"
"Guinevere?"
"I like you… a lot."
"I like you immensely more."
"This is different for me, Arthur. I need to say this, and don't get mad."
"Okay."
"Lancelot was my first everything. He hurt me really bad. In the end, I didn't know why we were together. We had nothing in common except that beginning attraction. The really hot lust stuff." Gwen licked her lips. She listened to Arthur's heart thump for a moment. "Then, we had nothing. We couldn't talk or laugh. Lust… fades away. I didn't have anything real with him. That movie chemistry isn't love... the kind that they are constantly yelling at each other or saying stupid stuff. I do enjoy flirting. That stuff isn't real… it's animosity. I'm really attracted to you. It's not just the lusty type. We only kissed once, but I enjoy talking so much and just being with you. I think of you, and can feel you near me. I'm deeply attracted to you, and I'm scared."
"That was quite a mouthful, Guinevere."
"I said it was a lot."
"So, I'm a playboy. I'm emotionally crippled as stated by Merlin. I'm afraid that you won't want to see me anymore. You make me smile and laugh. You make think. Every day is good day when I see you. I understand the whole attraction thing. I want you more than any other woman."
Gwen snuggle deeper. "About the passive aggressive thing. Strength doesn't mean being mean or petty. Or screaming at people or being nasty. I'm strong; but people think that I'm weak. I'm not. Everybody is strong in their own way. I have Mommy issues. I thought if I was really good… she would come back. She never did. I surveyed. I'm strong."
"I've Daddy issues. A perfect match. Guinevere, my mother's death destroyed me. She never came back. My heart is constantly on guard. It's yours, if you want it. You fill a void in my life. I'm scared too."
"aren't we just a scared duo?"
"At least, we are together."
"Until I use my passive aggressive skills on you."
"I'm on guard now."
"Arthur, you kissed the girl now."
"I thought you didn't like predictable movie moments?"
I don't. I like kisses. I love yours."
"If you say it like that."
Arthur tipped Gwen's chin up, and brushed his lips over hers. Gwen opened her mouth slightly. Arthur kissed her firmly as the kiss grew intense.
Arthur raised his head, and smiled at Gwen. "Ryan Gosling has nothing on me."
Gwen shook her head. "Not at all."
8888
Watching Gwen cradled his niece, Arthur knew that he would marry Gwen. It didn't matter that they knew each other only a couple of months. He looked at her and he saw forever. He wanted babies with Guinevere. He could wait until she was ready. She would be there to help him along the way.
Morgana leaned back against her pillows. She watched Arthur gazed over Gwen's shoulder staring at her daughter. She felt hopeful for the future. Arthur had his rock. She didn't have to worry about him anymore. He was Gwen's problem.
A/N: if you wondering about my observation, Freddie, Jason, Chucky, and Michael Meyers would have behaved better.