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, rated T (thanks Guardian Izz for your wonderful feedback!)

AN: Italics denote POV and Real Time is in normal font so I hope it doesn't get too confusing. Thank you wonderful alerters and reviewers, sorry this took a while - I am currently enjoying the sun and more sun in lovely Fiji, so am a bit slow. Hope you enjoy it! :)

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

Chapter Eleven: The One With Friends

A few months later…

"So we're good to go with the procurement for the new regional manager right Merlin? Excellent. Yeah, no, I've read his file and the Board have already shortlisted him. I know Merlin…Yes. Well, sometimes you have to marry the old and new to- What? No, I have not been reading Dr Phil's new book, who the hell is Dr Phil? No, don't tell me, I don't have two days to spare for anther one of your monologues on that particular subject. I am not being rude; this is usually how I speak to you Merlin so it's sort of a given. Especially when you talk about rubbish like getting in touch with your inner-self. Yes, so as I was saying, my father did not say he wouldn't accept someone from outside the PI circle – he said he would consider sound candidates, and even Gaius has spoken highly of this guy. Ok, well I have to meet with the financial director tomorrow at 4 and then I'm meeting him at the corner coffee shop at 5. Yes, it's a bit unconventional and I would have liked to meet in the office, but he's here on business so this was the only time I could have a chat with him before the board sits with him. No I don't think we'll be doing that. Yes I know it's your job to advise, but it's my job to take that advice, consider it and not follow it if I wish. Thank you for that lovely and oh so mature comment Merlin, I expect nothing less. Yes, of course I will see you at the pub tonight, 7:30ish. Bye."

The next day….

Arthur's POV

I'm still having a hard time believing that the Board accepted our proposal for a Latin American regional office! This is...great! I almost don't even care that Father still opposed it and asked me to check the figures in my proposal three times. Not only that, but if this guy that we're trying to poach is as good as they say then even better! Guinevere told me not to worry too much because it made sense to put forward this proposal but where my Father is concerned I always have my doubts-crazy habit I guess. I still remember what she said when I told her the outcome of the meeting. She just smiled and said "See? Told you", in that knowing way of hers, with that smile…Ok, snap out of it! Just what I don't need; another shot of caffeine.

Nursing a hot coffee in the finance department conference room while waiting for the finance head, he glances at his watch, hoping the meeting will not go over time as he doesn't want to miss meeting the potential candidate later.

His mind drifts back to the conversation he had with Merlin last night at the pub. Merlin couldn't believe that Arthur was late – thirty minutes in fact, and something Arthur wasn't often. He had made some brief explanation about giving Gwen a lift home via her university to drop off some books which made him late to meet Merlin. Unfortunately, it was one of those rare re: not really that rare at all occasions when Merlin chose to broach the subject with Arthur.

"So…uh…you were just dropping Gwen off eh?" Merlin attempted to come off casual as he bought them a round of beers. Arthur shrugged and nodded, removing his jacket and taking a seat across from him.

"Yeah I know, well you know Guinevere, usually she refuses to get a ride home, but the rain tonight helped me change her mind", he grinned and as he took a sip of his pint Merlin did not miss the faraway look in his eyes.

"Ah…So you guys um…hang out much after hours?" Merlin let his voice trail off as he tried hard not to look too closely at Arthur's face. The latter noticed Merlin's tone and frowned in his direction.

"You can wipe that ridiculous grin off your ugly mug Merlin. Not everyone needs to reenact scenes from Grey's Anatomy with their friends you know?" Merlin couldn't help snorting as Arthur shook his head and leaned back in his seat.

"Okay then…So strictly platonic then?" Merlin decided to give it another shot. On some level he felt a bit like he was owed, after all, Arthur was half an hour late and he had already had two beers so…

"Platonic. Hah! If only we knew that all it takes is two beers before you start using big words Merlin, I would have told our sixth form English teacher Mrs. Hampshire to get you on the sauce good and early". Arthur laughed into his pint, trying to keep his voice light, hoping Merlin would drop the subject.

"Hardy har har. You're funny when you're being yourself Arthur. Alright then. Just thought I'd ask." Merlin watched Arthur eating peanuts before continuing, "I have to say, that little charade you guys pulled at Morg's house last time was quite good. You even had me fooled - for about five minutes. So..that's really all it is? Nothing else?" Merlin tried not to sound hopeful as he asked for the final time.

Arthur sighed and patted Merlin's shoulder in a patronizing manner, "Yes. That really is all there is. I hate to tell you again Merlin, no actually, I don't. In fact, I do relish telling you when you're mistaken about something, particularly where I am concerned, but M&M's little plan didn't work. We patched things up and we have a great friendship. That's it. "He downed the rest of his beer and turned back towards the bartender to signal for another round.

Arthurs POV

NO idea why I'm thinking of that conversation now. I mean, Merlin is nosey – well meaning but nosey. Plus he hates that his and Morgana's plan didn't go the way they would've liked it to go. I knew he'd be shocked I could sort my own issues out without him. Plus he loves Guinevere like a sister he's never had so of course he'd want to know if we were anything more than friends…But we're not and that's the way it should be. We're too…different – which is good for being friends but yeah... She is…great. Wonderful really…but yeah…just friends. I told Merlin that in plain English so hopefully that's the last of it. Wait, what am I talking about? It's Merlin; this isn't over. There is no fat lady here. Not that I am discriminating against fat women…wait, are you allowed to call fat women fat? Oh just drink your coffee.

Meanwhile in the coffee shop down the road…

Gwen joined the long line, not really concerned seeing as she knew she was early for the shift anyway. The only problem was her bags were especially heavy today because she had been working on her final report for the year and was carrying quite a few books. While contemplating how she will be able to carry her coffee as well as all her other stuff, her phone rings. Struggling with her bags and books to reach for her phone, she drops a textbook. Giving up, she dumps the books into the open bags and plops the bags on the floor between her legs and answers her phone.

"Oh hey Morgs. No, sorry…bag issue. Yes I know, and no, I don't want" just the one". It's never enough. Anyway, how are you? What's up? Almost, start at 6. Yeah, sorry about last night, I finished a bit late and had to get back to school so Arthur took me. It was actually really kind of him, since it's out of his way and all. He was really glad that I accepted a ride though-but just between you and me it was only because of the rain hahaha! Hmm? Yes, I suppose so…What? Um…no. As in no, no way, nothing, nada, not happening, non, nicht, …you speak Japanese, how do you say no in Japanese? No, not annoyed, just a bit amused you would assume that. Whatever! You know what that thing at the dinner party was about! Yes… and I already said sorry – it was kinda revenge for-No! Morgs…can we drop it now please? We're friends. Good friends. Yes, really. Mhmm…Uh hey Morgs? You know that in real life – as in anything that doesn't star Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts, that a person doesn't actually change their mind after saying the same thing after two seconds right? Fine. Sure, let's talk later ok? Yes, sorry, I'm in the line at the coffee shop…yes- that's why I don't want to talk to you too long…Yes Morgs, I know it's none of their business and they shouldn't listen in but I am in public so..Yes! Call me later. Bye!"

Gwen sighs and shakes her head, pushing her bags further up the line, and tucks her phone back into her jeans pocket.

Gwen's POV

What was that all about? I felt like we were 12 all over again and we're playing Truth or Dare. Imagine that! Asking if Arthur and I have a "thing"! Just because he dropped me off at home the other night during that rain…Honestly, M&M need a new hobby. I do like Arthur…very much. I mean, what's not to like? He's actually really funny, and intelligent, and although he does act like an arrogant prat, I know he's hard working and really does care about the people who work for the company, and for his friends. We get on so well…too well. I just feel so comfortable around him…which is odd, because we're so different – my life must seem so ordinary to him…So yeah…we're friends…That's it! Gwen, why are you shouting at yourself? Oh really? Uh sorry, didn't mean to. Just don't want Morgs and Co to get any more funny ideas. I don't want me to get any funny ideas. Me? Is that the correct pronoun?

She is still musing about the conversation with Morgana when someone taps her on the shoulder and clears their throat. Surprised, Gwen turns around and sees an extremely handsome man with wavy dark hair and eyes smiling at her, holding the text book she dropped when she went to answer her phone.

"Excuse me Miss? I believe this is yours?" the man asks, smiling at her.

Gwen blushes, hoping he doesn't notice that she was just staring at him. She reaches for the book gratefully.

"Thank you! I didn't even notice." He shrugs and smiles once more, extending his hand.

"No problem. I'm Lancelot du Lac." Gwen grabs his hand with her temporarily free one.

"I'm Gwen Leodegrance. Nice to meet you Lancelot".

"Likewise Gwen. Tell me; is the coffee any good here?"

They both reach the counter now and Gwen moves to make space for Lancelot as the cashier takes their orders.

"Yes it is – great lattes and nice strong coffee which is good for espressos – if you like that sort of thing", Gwen politely declines to let Lancelot pay for her coffee too and they both move away from the counter with their purchases.

"I do like espressos actually. It's a favourite drink where I'm from in South America. What's yours?"

"Lattes. Why do you ask?"

He smiles and brushes his hair back, "Just in case I ever have the opportunity of running into you again here".

Blushing, Gwen leads the way to the entrance of the shop. Lancelot doesn't seem in a hurry to leave the shop; and he places his bag on a table near the door. Noticing Gwen watching him, he explains.

"I am actually meeting the head of a huge corporation here for an informal meeting soon so I'm just staking out a good vantage point to run out of the joint if he thinks I would not make a good addition to his organization". They both share a laugh as Gwen readjusts her bags, books and Shrek mug.

"Well, best of luck to you Lancelot. Hopefully that espresso gives you the extra edge you need to get the job".

Lancelot smiles in appreciation and shrugs, "I hope so. See, I never wanted to work there before, but now, with this new Director and the positive social and environmental reforms they are trying to bring in, I feel like if they offered me a position there, I could make that transition. There's something honorable about working for a company that gives back too you know? Hopefully, I can rise to that challenge if I get the opportunity though".

Gwen can see the wall clock and knows she should get going. Somewhat reluctantly, she bids farewell to Lancelot and wishes him luck for the final time and turns to leave.

"Maybe we'll meet again in the coffee line some time?" he asks with a wry grin. Gwen smiles and waves, moving out and onto the street.

Gwen's POV

Lancelot seems like a really nice guy. I hope he gets the job at this company he was talking about. Too bad it's not PI that he wants to work for. Arthur could use a guy who's dedicated, and not afraid to work hard. Oh, speaking of Arthur, I can't wait to tell him that Elyan will be here soon. Plus, he owes me five bucks 'cos he lost the bet that Gwaine would be thrown out of a casino the first night he got to Las Vegas last week. Hahaha. Anyway, he said he'd call later when he finds out about the potential manager.

Later that evening, in Arthur's office…

Two shots of whiskey later, Merlin is perched on the edge of Arthur's sofa watching him spin around in his chair. Arthur looks exhausted, his suit is rumpled, his blonde hair is all messed up, but he seems happy.

"We did it Merlin! The Latin American office! The guy we wanted! You know….you can be quite useful sometimes, when you put your mind to it. That charter you drew up did the final trick". He stops spinning and claps his hands together, grinning at Merlin.

Merlin laughs and shakes his head, "No mate. This is all you. I just helped when you ordere-er, I mean, asked me to as the legal consul. This is great and the guy you wanted obviously seems keen so he's in?"

"Yep. Comes in to do the contract tomorrow. He seemed quite surprised we wanted him for the post, and I had to reassure him it wasn't a joke. Frankly, we'd be fools not to poach him. I have high hopes for him. Let's get out of here. Oh, hang on, I promised I'd call when I got word…"Arthur is standing up now, fiddling with his jacket and mobile. Merlin also grabs his bag and coat, ready to leave with Arthur.

"Guinevere? Hey, hi, it's me Arthur ", Merlin rolls his eyes, while closing Arthur's office door. D'uh Arthur! Merlin thinks cheekily, she does have caller ID and not many people are called Arthur under the age of 50 these days so what are the chances she would know more than one?

"Yeah you know that guy we wanted? Yes, well he said yes. I know!...No, my father was not pleased per se and it took awhile to get him to give his consent but…yeah I guess. The Board already decided so yeah. No, I know but-. Ok, yes, you're probably right Guinevere. No, I haven't forgotten the bet…Well technically, I did win – you did say you didn't gamble did you not? What's that? Yeah right…You were doing it to prove me wrong that Gwaine is capable of being respectable for at least one night…sure. I should have bet for the entire stay, not just the first night…Hahaha...Yes you are. Really? Guinevere that's great news. It really is. Ok. See you tomorrow then? Great! Ok bye."

Merlin watches Arthur's reflection in the mirrored lift walls as he hangs up, smiling to himself.

Poor Arthur and Gwen, he thinks, at least they believe we all think they're not smitten.

AN: There we have it folks! Chapter Twelve up and next one on its way. I love feedback so please review if you get the chance :)