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 T just in case.

AN: Italics denote POV and Real Time is in normal font so I hope it doesn't get too confusing. Merci beaucoup lovely alerters and reviewers - BPP, WNB, Lara, Halo, Crystal and others - your lovely comments and suggestions are noted with thanks! Hope you all enjoy Part II :)

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

Chapter Fourteen: The One With Introductions Part II

Minutes after meeting Vivian…

Gwen makes her way back towards the catering station with her empty tray, ready to bring some dirty dishes to the boxes when she notices Lancelot hovering at her back. Pushing her hair out of her eyes, she turns to face him, forcing a smile onto her face.

"Hey…I…um…I just wanted to check on you. Sorry…it's just that…well that Vivian woman is pretty awful. So yeah…" his voice trails off, and Gwen smiles and shrugs.

"It's really ok, honestly. It's not the first time something like that has happened, and she does have a point; no one likes drinking warm wine, unless you're 17 and sneaking a bottle between three friends in a shed hiding from your parents". Lancelot laughs at her last comment and nods slowly, touching her arm lightly.

"Well, if you're sure. I guess I should be heading back then. See you later Gwen." He smiles and when she nods, he leaves her to the task.

Gwen's POV

Ok, I would have to be blind to not notice how attractive Lancelot is. Plus he's smart, sweet, and a really nice guy too. Am I flattered that he probably, maybe finds me attractive – yeah, weird right? Maybe he just likes the permanent smell of Janola on my skin or in my hair or something…Don't be vain Gwen! Well, I'd be pretty daft not to pick up on that…He'd be "good boyfriend material" – as Morgs always says; quite ridiculous – how do one even know what makes a good boyfriend? I always thought that I would know when I met a guy…like something would happen and I would just…know. If I wanted a boyfriend. Well…I mean, if I wanted him to be my boyfriend….Which I don't. I have no time, or energy for that sort of thing. Really Gwen? Honestly? Yes! Stop it! Ok…stopping now. How do I tell him I'm not interested? Maybe he doesn't like you that way Gwen…True, it could just be all in my head…But I don't want to lead him on. At least I can honestly admit that to myself…Why don't you like him? Are you saving yourself for someone else? No. Really? Yes…Yes!

The thing is I hate people making a fuss over me and as I said, people like Vivian are a dime a dozen…I am surprised at Arthur's behavior though…He seemed seriously rattled by her being there and when she said those things to me…what a reaction from a guy who is like the original Mr. Cool Cucumber. That expression is ridiculous – how does one even know a cucumber is cool? Gwen focus! I guess I am thinking (on some minute – ok bigger then minute) level, how well does he know her? Something tells me they have a history. No… really Gwen? You're so smart. Well…No, don't do that. Do what? That. The…thinking, the obsessing over it. He's human – he's had girlfriends, etc. Unlike you, he's got a life. Whatever. Just stop it. Also, you know it's none of your business and you and he are just friends. Yep…just friends. That's what you've told the whole world. Friends. Friends. Friends. Great. Now I sound like I'm writing the next Alexis Jordan song with all that repetition.

Arthur is halfway through his fourth beer when he notices his father's assistant Mathieu standing next to him in his usual quiet way. Silently, Mathieu gestures towards where Uther is waiting for Arthur with a grim expression on his face. Arthur sighs and downs the rest of the beer in one go feeling that perhaps Uther's quota for "Rag on Arthur for the day" is not yet exhausted.

He is not disappointed and Uther Pendragon doesn't waste any time getting straight to the point.

"Arthur it has come to my attention that you may not be following your own policies concerning office relationships. I must say I am rather…surprised, considering how fussy you've always been about all the policies we have in place. Not only that, but to hear that your subordinates are talking about you – gossiping. That is what makes me so furious with you. Well? What do you have to say for yourself? "

Arthur stands shell-shocked as he takes a few seconds to process what his father is saying.

Arthur's POV

I feel like my head's still buzzing with all the stuff that's happened in the last half an hour. What with Father's under the table tactics with hiring Vivian and his lecture about the press conference…Was there something else too? Uh no…You sure? There wasn't! Ok so what about seeing how friendly Lancelot was with Guinevere? Who cares, plus he explained. They only just met last week, that doesn't mean they're getting married. Guinevere would've mentioned him…Would she? Maybe to Merlin but not me…we don't really talk about that sort of thing...Why not? Geez..I don't bloody know! It's not like I ever got around to telling her about Vivian! Anyway, isn't that your job to tell me these things? Am I asking myself for advice? How much alcohol was in that beer? I wish I could've gone after Guinevere earlier but…I couldn't. Why not? Oh Arthur focus! What's he on about now? What relationship? What's this about rumours?

Arthur takes his time responding and its clear he is confused about what his father has just said.

"I don't quite follow Father. I assure you, the PI policies concerning office relationships are not in jeopardy – not to my knowledge. I haven't read anything in the latest monthly reports from the department heads so I'm not sure what-"

Uther is impatient now with Arthur's slowness and abruptly interrupts him.

"No, not other people! I mean you! Is there anything you want to tell me now Arthur? Are you carrying on inappropriately with one of your staff? You aren't as sharp as you believe if you don't even know the workers are gossiping about you carrying on with-"

This time, Arthur cuts him off, not politely either, perhaps the alcohol and the pent up frustration from the whole evening decided to rear its unavoidable head.

"Excuse me but what are you talking about Father? What inappropriate relationship? First of all, I demand to know where you got the information for this unfounded accusation and secondly when is it a crime to be friends with co workers? So I have friends who work for the company – our company, you know that. Surely, you can't be talking about Merlin, Gwaine or Percy? If you are it's absurd."

Uther continues to glare at Arthur as he leans against a table filled with empty glassware and then it suddenly dawns on Arthur that his father might have heard something about him and Guinevere meeting at night times. He wouldn't put it past Vivian to help that story along. He laughs out loud angrily and shakes his head at his father. The evening could possibly be at its worst point right now.

"Oh I see. You've heard someone say something about me hanging out with Guinevere some times after work in the staff room. Night times – which I admit is a bit unconventional but she works nights on the cleaning crew so yes we do meet up and hang out- as friends do sometimes. Not that this is anyone's business. You are right about one thing Father. I do know the policies well. None of them say anything about not being able to be friends with other co workers. Even if they work in dif-".

Uther slams his fist on the table top rattling the glass and startling some of the waiting staff as the conversation gets louder. Arthur and Uther are now both standing very close, facing each other. Arthur is so angry he doesn't notice his friends or Gwen who has returned from removing all the other dirty glass ware, moving closer to where they are standing.

"You have no right to question my authority! I am the CEO of this company and you will listen and follow orders. Arthur, I told you several months ago that you needed to get rid of this ridiculous playboy image of yours and settle down. All it takes is one rumour! One accusation from your workers and that's it. You even allow them to do that and they no longer abide by your rule and will slack off, even become idle and disrespectful. I cannot have you ruining this company's good name with your dalliances! Although, I must say, if it's simply just a bit of fun with a cleaner then that's hardly what I'd call a viable relationship is it? She's probably just after your money and name anyway! I should just fire her and be done with this! Imagine if the media got wind of this?"

Arthur lifts up a hand as if to tell his father he's had enough and it's enough to cause Uther to fall into momentary silence as if he has suddenly run out of steam. Merlin moves to stand near Arthur and speaks softly to him.

"Arthur, be careful. Remember where we are. You need to calm down. Now."

Arthur nods, swallowing hard. Strangely, even though he is furious and this close to decking his own father, when he speaks his voice is deadly calm.

"Father…Just…Please stop. All you need to know is that I can and I am doing a perfectly acceptable job running this company, with or without your interference. What I do in my personal life, as long as I am not breaching any laws or policies within the company, is none of yours, Vivian's (because I have an inkling she's had a hand in this somewhere) or anyone else's' business. I am ashamed that you can say that about someone who works for this company, considering all those "subordinates" as you like to call them work hard enough so we can enjoy the fruits of that success."

Arthur pauses and Uther, eyes flashing with anger at the gall of Arthur's response already has a reply ready but Arthur holds his hand up again, indicating he hasn't finished. Opening his mouth again, he finally notices a few of the guests (including Vivian who looks visibly uncomfortable at the turn of the events), staff, and his friends and Gwen watching him and looking at her briefly, he takes a deep breath.

"I am very proud of the work many of the PI staff do for us, and if you can't see that, then it's not for me to comment on – at least not here. I will say this; if you ever ever insinuate something like that about Guinevere's character or you threaten her job again, you will regret it". He chances another look at Gwen and sees that she is biting her lip and seems to be on the verge of tears. Before he can move towards her, she turns and flees. Uther follows Arthur's eyes to where Gwen was standing seconds ago and for half a second, a look of compunction shadows his face before the Dragon is back in full force.

Noticing they are not alone, Uther frowns in the general direction of the crowd and they all quickly disperse save for Merlin, Gwaine, Percival and Gaius who had arrived on the scene moments ago.

"Well then…Erm…Perhaps we will leave it at that then. You just remember what I said Arthur. Gaius? A word when you're free?" With that abrupt (and awkward) statement, Uther nods brusquely at Arthur and leaves. An uneasy truce has been pronounced – for now.

Arthur watches his father leave and takes several moments to glare at Vivian who visibly shrinks back when she sees the fire in Arthur's eyes, expecting him to lay into her, but he remains silent and that makes her even more uneasy. Turning on her heel she walks off in a hurry towards the exit.

Sighing in frustration, he shrugs at the others; it's over for now and he feels exhausted and somewhat tipsy. Merlin pats his shoulder and they all look at Gaius who's standing in the exact same spot Gwen was until two minutes ago when she took off.

"Arthur….I think perhaps you should call it a night?" he kindly suggests. Arthur shakes his head gesturing back to the guests.

Gaius shakes his head and nudges Gwaine and Percival who grin at Arthur and move off back towards the crowd.

"This is where we come in. See you tomorrow mate", Percival reassures him while Gwaine winks and they leave. Gaius observes how Arthur is still looking in the direction of the kitchen and raises his eyebrows at Merlin who nods.

"Did she uh….did she hear all of that?" he finally asks, hoping Merlin will say no but knows he won't.

Merlin stalls and gives up, for once not really knowing what to say. Based on what he's just witnessed, he knows two things: 1. He has only known two occasions when Arthur has been able to stand up to the Dragon – the row just now being the second one; and 2. He knows that whether Arthur is ready to admit it or not, he definitely has feelings for Gwen.

"Noooo. Yees…Ok, yeah, pretty much all of it….Sorry Boss man."

Arthur closes his eyes and pinches the top of his nose in resignation. He was wrong, the lowest point of this evening is definitely this moment right here.

AN: Yep, nothing like dysfunctional father son relationships to get you in the mood. I decided (as I went along 'cos that's how I roll), that this is a three parter...Therefore, when I get home - which is tomorrow; bye bye sunny, lovely Fiji, I will be uploading the third part. I love hearing your thoughts - and the suggestions so far are great so please keep 'em coming :) Stay tuned for Part III...