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 M just in case. In this chapter there is reflection, (possible) regret, and resentment. Again, not necessarily in that order.

AN: Many thanks for the reviews and alerts people - much appreciated. Keep those R&Rs coming. Hope you enjoy it! :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin or the characters but if I did...

Chapter 4: The One With The Meeting

Ten minutes after the chemist incident, outside PI building…

Gwen's POV

What did I expect? Was I a bit hurt by what he said? Of course! For a split second I felt like I could've slapped him – but that's not really my style. Morgs says I have the babbling-talk-it out-and-get-over- it anger management style. Maybe he's right on some level and yes, I did provoke him but he annoys the hell out of me. I have been told by many people who know me well that I am a pretty diplomatic person who doesn't have a crazy temper or acts rude to people – especially when I first meet them. So…Why did I react so strongly to this stranger who I could've just ignored and walked off in the rain? We have met a couple of times now under bizarre circumstances and I can't explain why, but he really…infuriates me and the worst thing is that I have no idea why! I know I touched a nerve with my comments today, but I couldn't help it.

It puzzles me that this is the same guy Merlin claims to have been his best mate since…forever. The same guy who, when Merlin's dad was killed in Iraq spent 3 months of the entire school holidays sleeping on the top bunk in Merlin's room just to help him and his mum get through it. The same mate who paid for Merlin's mum's private hospital care when she was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. When Merlin's ex fiancée Freya broke it off with him in New York and Merlin was devastated, his friend sat on Merlin's couch every evening for 3 weeks and drank beer with him, not speaking, just being there, only to leave for work again the next morning and repeat the same thing again that night. Whatever. It's great that he's a wonderful mate to Merlin, and that does mean something to me, I mean, I love Merlin like a brother, and I trust his judgment, so maybe he could be right about this guy and we just got off on the wrong foot (or three feet…Is that even possible?)

At any rate, I have to get over it. As we decided (possibly the only thing we will EVER mutually agree on) yesterday at the bistro, we have friends in common who care for each other. We care for them, so we can tolerate each other in their presence but it doesn't mean we have to share breathing space any other time and that's definitely fine with me. To be completely honest, I do feel a bit bad for my childish behaviour (on some level), and if I did see him again I would probably be contrite – as long as he was, because if he wasn't then forget it! Gwen! Stop it! Be the bigger person.

I feel calmer now. Which is good because I am now standing outside the PI building and my colleague Cathy has just told me her son is sick – again. He has chronic asthma and she worries about him constantly. She is on tonight with me on the 8th floor but I have already offered to do her section too and sent her on her way. I am hoping all the physical activity will keep my mind busy and I can move past the events of the past two days.

Arthur's POV

Damn it! Not only does Bag Lady know which buttons to push, she makes me late and now I am distracted for the most important meeting of this century! Do I feel bad for what I said? Of course. I am not that much of an asshole – despite what Merlin, Gwaine, Percival, and quite a few ex- girlfriends would have the world believe. Merlin is actually quite a nice person (so others say, although he's not that nice to me) and makes friends easily, so I wasn't so surprised that most of what I have heard from him since he left New York over a year ago, after he and Freya broke up and he came back to work at PI headquarters, is how he has a new "BFF" (whatever that means) and "She's great Arthur, you'd really like her". Oh and he also talked about Morgana all the time too – but she actually introduced them to each other, so it was always the two of them when I was in New York and he was here.

In fact, he had to reassure me a couple of times that he doesn't confide in her more than me. Not that I care – much. Merlin is a pretty good judge of character. Maybe I didn't give him enough credit to introduce me to someone who is really great because of my pre-conceived notions or something? I dunno…

Perhaps when I see Merlin tomorrow, I can get him to send some flowers and a card to apologise(on my behalf – after she apologises…no, who cares if she apologises Arthur, you were a dick!). Yes, I realise I did overreact somewhat, and was quite nasty. Maybe I could buy her a new bag? For her collection perhaps? Dumb idea, why the hell would you buy her a new bag Arthur? She has fifty already! Wait! Why am I obsessing over this? As we decided yesterday, we have mutual friends who love each other. That's it. WE don't have to see each other ever again. Shit! There's the Boss' driver Cain, meaning he's already in. Get your game face on Arthur. Whose van is that out front? Oh yeah, Merlin said it was the head cleaners or something or other. Wait a minute… Isn't that…Bag Lady talking to her?

Arthur walks towards the entrance doors, trying not to seem interested in what Bag Lady is doing here, or why she is over by the van with the older woman. Maybe she is a friend or family member? Taking another quick look in her direction he notices for the first time that when she smiles (even with the red nose and watery eyes look from her cold), she actually looks semi-attractive. He watches as she puts her arm around the woman and seems to be reassuring her about something. The older woman finally agrees to whatever it is she said and gets back in the van and drives away while Bag Lady waves her off. Arthur suddenly feels a bit silly - and rude for attempting to spy on her and quickly ducks into the vast entrance area of Pendragon Industries, moving towards the lift.

Arthur's POV

It's just gone 9 and I've just arrived back at my flat. I am exhausted and a little bit sore after the meeting and my gym session. Merlin rang while I was leaving the gym to ask if I wanted to catch up for a late bite with him at our favourite pub, but I'd rather be alone tonight. It's just been one of those days. This beer is quite nice, considering I have a cold and can't really taste it – its cold though, and that's just what you need after you have a tense conversation with your Boss who also happens to be your father. Recalling the meeting with him earlier, for a brief crazy moment, I imagine how my father would react if I rocked up to the next Sunday lunch with a girlfriend like Bag Lady and said, "Well Father, what do you think of my future bride?" Shock? Horror? Outright rage? Hahaha…At least it makes me smile for a bit, momentarily before fading back to the last time I ran into her (literally). A right nutter! Not that I would ever consider her as a potential girlfriend. Funny that the cashier at the chemist had thought that though. Not unless I lived in Siberia or somewhere where there weren't many – No! She is trouble all round. Another run in with her and then my dad. God! What a crap arse day! I think I need another beer, and some loud music. Where's the control? Ah, here's a track I haven't heard in a while; Lightening Crashes by Live. Very appropriate for my mood right now. Second beer here I com- Crap! I am still lugging Bag Lady's Shrek mug around in my bag! Remind yourself to give it to Merlin tomorrow to return to her Arthur.

Earlier that evening….

When Arthur arrives at the Boss' office, the Boss AKA Father, or Uther Pendragon; CEO of PI, is already waiting. He rises to shake Arthur's hand briskly and then waves a hand to the other chair for him to sit. His father is not one for small talk or niceties – he never has been and gets straight to the point.

"Arthur, the New York office seems fairly sound so I suppose it was favourable advice from Gaius to send you over there. Just because you are here now and in a position to take over from me as CEO does not mean I am out permanently. The board still makes final decisions and of course you know who the Chairman is." All this is said in a normal "Father Tone" re: I mean business.

It confirms to Arthur two specific things; one, that he will always be just the "work boy", probably until Uther decides to call it quits (possibly when he passes away, or hell freezes over), and two, whatever positive contributions he has made are still short of what his father believes is adequate. Arthur silently digests his words and wrestles with the temptation to remain silent or speak. Past experiences have shown this doesn't always work out for the best. Ignoring the voice of passiveness, he jumps right into the pot.

"Father I wish to thank you for the opportunity to come back to headquarters and prove to you and the Board that I am ready to take on the responsibilities. Our portfolio is up 5% and the stockholders are happy. Gwaine is doing well up in the Ireland office, as is Percival over in France. We have just recently expanded the Asian office with William over there, and when I left New York was in a good way with Freya. The Board is considering my proposal for a Latin America office for the next financial year.

We've also reviewed the central HR systems and I have encouraged my regional managers to look into the ethical and environmental issues as per the audits that we had conducted last year. Father, I am fairly confident that the team I have built up can help me to manage PI success-", Arthur having launched into his practiced speech, is cut off by his father suddenly.

"Yes, yes, I know all this. Arthur…I am happy that you are growing into a fine leader – which is what PI needs to move into the future as a leading international company, but I have always said you need to rule and think more with your head. You have hired all these people from other places, and outside the family circle – that Gwaine is a hot head who takes risks, as does Percival – and Merlin? He is Gaius' assistant as Chief Legal Advisor and now that you're back he acts as your Advisor, but honestly, that boy… You have increased salaries and staffing benefits which the Board had previously said no to twice, but you convinced them because of...what is it you said again?" Uther Pendragon is standing now and moving towards his mini bar. His voice has raised an octave which is never a good sign.

Arthur knows where this is going and he has come prepared.

"Because it's the right thing to do Father. When people have been loyal to the company, doing great work – some working for you more than twenty years, don't you think it makes sense to review their contracts and to ensure that they have incentives to stay on? To know that their retirement and families will be taken care of? PI is a global company, meaning we need to move with the times and be aware of potential environmental and social risks too. There are taxes and conventions around such things now and you know -"

"Enough!" Arthur jumps as his father slams his fist on the table.

"Arthur! This is what I meant by you ruling with your heart! You show that sort of...weakness and people think you're a push over. You think that I have successfully run this company all these years by giving people extra holidays and making sure we use low emission oil to run the factories? No! I have successfully run this company built on the steadfast foundations and traditions that your ancestors bestowed upon me and which I hope that will pass on to you someday! Everyone in this company must know their place. That includes you."

Arthur is shaking. He is so angry he can barely move. Why did he think for one minute anything had changed since he left two years ago?

"One more thing before you go Arthur," his father is calm again, speaking in his usual tone, meaning dismissal and is seated once more with drink in hand, ready to resume his work, "You are almost thirty and I believe the playboy tag is fast becoming old. Although, you certainly give the media plenty of bait and it does nothing for PI's image, or mine. It is time you did something to clean up your image". Arthur frowns and stands up, ready to leave.

"What are you suggesting now Father? You already control how this company is to be run even if I am in charge. Must you also do the same in my personal life?" his sarcastic reply is not lost on Uther.

"Arthur, you need to settle down. Find an acceptable partner and do just that. You know I will never let you run this company if you cannot do that". Arthur nods slowly and moves towards the door. He is just relieved the meeting is finally over.

"Oh and Arthur?" Arthur turns to look back at his father who is poised mid writing.

"Yes Father?"

"It's good to see you back home Son. I will see you on Sunday for lunch as per usual", a command rather than request before he goes back to writing.

Arthur nods once more and silently exits the room, already deciding to go to the gym after he leaves the building. He suddenly feels the need to punch the crap out of something.

Music in this chapter – "Lightening Crashes" by Live (Great song to mellow out to on one of those crazy days)

AN: There we have it folks! Thanks for taking the time to read. Love it or loathe it I welcome constructive feedback. Next up: Chapter Five...