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. In this one there's convos - different ones and types and some decision making time...Not necessarily in that order. Hope you all enjoy it!

AN: Italics denote POV and Real Time is in normal font so I hope it doesn't get too confusing. Thank you lovely alerters and reviewers - Halo, Lara and BPP fanks gang!

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

Chapter 18: The One With Conversations

Gwen knocks loudly on the door – as per the standard cleaning procedures at PI. Her colleague Cathy's mother is in town for minor surgery and since Gwen is off to India soon, she has offered to cover her section for the week while she's here.

She suddenly grins, thinking of the party tomorrow evening, although, anyone would think another Kardashian was getting married or something the way Morgana had been trying to organize it! In the end, Merlin and Gwen had managed to convince her to just "relax and keep it simple stupid" (well without the 'stupid' part really, since Merlin was too scared of his girlfriend to spell out the complete acronym) Relax – a word that Morgana had a bit of trouble embracing even at the best of times.

Arthur had texted earlier to let her know he would be working late because of a scheduled teleconference call in their boardroom with Merlin, Gaius, Lancelot and other senior staff in Argentina, so she opens the door and enters the empty office.

She smiles when she spots the Post-it note on the desk. He began leaving notes for her every evening when he knew she'd be cleaning Cathy's section as it includes his office too and she would always leave a reply for him. Usually they would leave each other funny jokes or a bit of an anecdote of something that happened that day. Today's read: By the time you read this I might be dead already – the sleeping kind of dead because Merlin has only just begun his monologue. I have left you my mirror collection J C u tomorrow…

Giggling to herself, she writes a quick response on a fresh Post-it and leaves it next to his day planner, then tucks Arthur's note into the front pocket of her jeans. Gwen is reaching down to clean out the bin when a brisk knock on the door interrupts her and as she turns, she sees Uther Pendragon moving into the room, stopping short when he realizes Arthur is not there and she is instead. He looks around; frowning slightly and for half a second Gwen can see the clear resemblance between father and son, in the sense that when preoccupied, they both look more alike than ever.

The CEO simply nods curtly in her general direction preparing to leave, then stops. He takes another look at her and registers. Yes, it is that girl from the party. The cleaner that Arthur decided to embarrass himself (and Uther) over in front of everyone. It was during that overly emotional and vocal speech which Arthur gave – one of only two times Uther can truthfully recall his son having the nerve to stand up to him, he realized that, maybe, there could be a slim possibility that Arthur had deeper feelings for this girl than that of merely friendship or lust – as Uther would usually have put down all of Arthur's interactions with women, seeing as his son's reputation was akin to that of the playboy vein.

He had thought it through and tried to tell himself that it was just Arthur being loyal to that ragtag group he insisted on calling his friends, and she was just the latest in the long line of them. However, when he pondered on it longer, he remembered the way he had spoken about her, and had looked at her before she ran off. It was undoubtedly absurd!

After coming to this clearly outlandish notion, the elder Pendragon had tried to discuss it with Gaius and her line manager but both of them backed Arthur, respectfully advising him that it was nothing more than a malicious rumour which had no bearing and that Guinevere was a hardworking, amicable, highly regarded worker and there really was no valid reason to fire her. To say that it annoyed him that Arthur could chose her over Vivian Olaf, who made…sense, and was more suited to Arthur – he did have his future to consider after all, was an understatement.

Perhaps this was some sort of divine intervention that she would be here tonight cleaning Arthur's office, with Arthur not being present and it could be his chance to resolve this little incident once and for all. Moving towards her again, he happens to glance down at the clean desk and see one of those yellow sticky notes with a smiley face and a feminine type of scrawl on it. Putting two and two together, Uther knows this is his golden opportunity to end the madness.

"Its Gwen isn't it?" his voice holds that immediate air of authority. Gwen takes a deep breath and stands up straighter, determined not to let him intimidate her (too much anyway). Nodding, she puts the plastic bag down and moves to face him. He cocks his head to one side and moves closer.

"Do you like working here Gwen?" his tone gives away nothing and Gwen is determined to follow his lead.

"Yes Sir. I do enjoy working here at Pendragon Industries very much", she replies politely and evenly

Uther nods and observes her keenly, like a hawk. It is enough for Gwen to fight the urge to drop her eyes, or move. She firmly shuts the internal thought door and stands still, staring straight ahead.

"Yes, I'm sure you do. As a cleaner you do a decent enough job – so I've been told by your supervisor and other senior staff. Tell me Gwen, what do you think about people behaving in an untoward manner in the workplace? Do you think that sort of thing should be tolerated? Hypothetically, I mean?"

Gwen knows he is testing her and she takes another deep breath before answering.

"Sir, I believe if, indeed someone was behaving in an untoward manner – or inappropriate as such, there would be proper procedures in place to deal with such thing and the relevant mechanisms would be sought to resolve said issues. Hypothetically speaking Sir".

Uther raises his eyebrows in surprise. He cannot help thinking that this girl is obviously well brought up and clearly intelligent enough – for someone from her position.

"Precisely. So if I were to give you a practical example and tell you that you and my son Arthur carrying on could be viewed as behaving in an untoward manner, what would you say to that?"

Gwen cannot help feeling as if she might explode any minute now, but settles for a prayer to God for strength instead.

Gwen's POV

Breathe…Take your time. I can see where Arthur got all the arrogance, that 'I am better than thou attitude' from no! There's no Arthur here – just you and The Dragon. What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. Breathe…You can do it girl.

"Sir, if I have, at any time during my employment here, behaved in any such manner with another associate, my manager would have brought that to my attention long ago, and I would have tried my best to work with her to resolve the situation as best as I could. As such, it's been almost two years and they have been two good ones – Sir."

A tense filled silence fills the room as both of them look at each other; Gwen determined not to let him bring her down.

Uther's eyes flash with something between anger and frustration and he shakes his head, turning to go. He faces her, hand on the doorknob.

"Gwen, my family built this company on steadfast foundations and traditions. That is the Pendragon way. I have done my best to maintain that, and hope to pass that on to Arthur one day. He is still young, but already a good, strong, leader and he needs to be that and more to fully run this company one day. I'll be damned if any…disturbances should befall him before he takes his rightful place. He is my only heir. I think you and I both understand the concept of knowing your place in life better than Arthur does and if you really are his friend, you should ensure that he learns that too – sooner rather than later. I hope I've made myself perfectly clear on the matter?"

Gwen's last vestige of courage feels like it's about to shatter into a million pieces, and she clutches the feather duster tightly, and not looking at Uther anymore, she nods slightly. The CEO of PI nods curtly in response and exits the room.

Once the door is shut again Gwen gives way to the relief that he's gone and she leans heavily against the desk. Shutting her eyes, she runs her hands through her curls, and straightens up, ignoring the barrel of emotions and thoughts, as she begins cleaning up again.

Gwen's POV

What just happened? Uther happened! Yes…He said everything you knew he was going to say. Basically you and Arthur are a joke – well no Gwen, the jokes on you. He is rich, successful, on his way to running an empire. You're a cleaner, working to put yourself through school, scrimping and saving every little cent, you knew nothing could come of this friendship…That it would be too hard, that people would talk…Arthur needs to focus, to run this company; you need to get on with your life, your dreams and plans – away from him. At least Uther's right about one thing; you're both too different. No we're not. Besides, that stuff is so old school! Who cares? You do. Do I? Yes. Because you care about Arthur…More than you want to admit. You know what to do Gwen. Yeah…Yeah I do…But I don't want to. I never said it would be easy but it's the best thing…For Arthur's sake. And yours. You will be fine. You're strong. You're independent; you don't need the drama of all that hanging over you. Beside, you've been fine for over 26 years now by doing the right thing. Yep, that's me…always doing what's best…Always…

She mechanically cleans the rest of the office and just before she turns to leave, she suddenly notices the Post-it note she left on Arthur's desk. Grabbing it, and ignoring the lump forming in her throat, she digs into her pocket and finding the one he wrote her, takes it out and crumples them both up, dumping them into the plastic bag attached to her trolley before giving the room a final look over. Switching off the light, she closes the door quietly. No time for tears, there were still two more rooms to do before she can go home.

One hour later….

Merlin hovers in the doorway to Arthur's office, somewhat impatient as he waits for Arthur who insisted on going back to his office to check for "something", although when Merlin asked what for, he merely tapped his index finger to the side of his nose, grinning mysteriously causing Merlin to roll his eyes.

"Fine Hercule Poirot, just get a flaming move on eh? Percy called and said Gwaine's misplaced his wallet and since he's still tied up with with some work, can we go and assist him to find it at his hotel room, or the hotel bar – I rather think it's the latter though? I would like to get there before Christmas Day. Of course, when I got off the phone and translated what he really meant to say, I gather it really means that Marcy, or Mariana…or was it Marissa? No, I think it was Meg, yeah Meg that's it! You know, Gwaine's Camelot er…friend? She's probably peeved at him again and has hidden it like last year when he drank her birthday wine before bringing it to her house!"

Merlin pauses as he notices Arthur's confused look as he is turning papers on his now spotless desk over and peering under the folders, clearly looking for something. Moving closer, Merlin enquires again what he's after.

Arthur gives up, and shakes his head, still puzzled, then checks his watch.

"No…I thought she…Maybe she was too busy or Cathy came instead? It's ok; I'll just call her later." Merlin doesn't really understand what this reply even means but he figures it's about Gwen and that she has probably been covering for Cathy since she's leaving for India soon. In the lift on the way down, Arthur calls her cell but hangs up after half a minute.

"Hmm…Phone's off. Guess she's probably charging it or something. Hope she managed to get home alright". Merlin studies his friend and doesn't miss the way he knows her number off by heart (something he has never known Arthur to bother with where any girlfriend or female acquaintance of his was concerned), and the way he talks about her in a way that could be described as how a someone would discuss their partner. Not that Merlin would dare mention it now – or ever, unless Arthur was seriously wasted and not near any blunt objects he could pick up and throw at Merlin.

"So…you do realise that she's off to India soon right?"

Arthur still seems preoccupied, but turns to him and nods, smiling a little,"Yeah, it's a bit hard to forget, she's so excited. She's been researching the school and the province she's going to, talking to other teachers there...All I hear is "I can't wait to go!" Yep, that's Guinevere – our little adventurer" Merlin observes the almost regretful way he describes her as being a go getter.

"Well I'm guessing you'll miss her won't you? I know the rest of us definitely will. Morgs has already declared Friday next week the "Gwen and Morgs Day" – whatever that means. But for you, I mean, who will have those cozy little tea chats with you at 9 pm every night? Hope you're not thinking I'll be your Gwen stand in, 'cos I don't think Morgs would be too happy about that arrangement, nor do I have the stomach for seeing you at that hour as well as all day too" Both men laugh as they walk out of the building to the senior management car park towards Arthur's car.

Arthur replies that he will use the evenings she's away to watch the whole X Files series as Gwen has lent him her box set. After watching the first episode, he is now hooked. Like Gwen had said when trying to convince him; it's the whole unorthodox pairing of Agents Mulder and Scully that intrigues him. Chalk and Cheese, but it works.

Merlin adjusts his seat belt as Arthur is backing the car out of the car park.

"Admit it, you will miss her something awful."

Arthur shrugs and concentrates on driving instead, the next few minutes in the car is passed in a comfortable silence. Suddenly, while they are stopping at an intersection, Arthur suddenly speaks, and Merlin is slightly surprised he is still thinking about it. It is almost as if he's forgotten Merlin is even there when he does.

"Something awful doesn't even begin to describe it".

Opening her front door Gwen can smell the divine aroma of Elyan's special homemade chicken soup, although she has no appetite at this point. Weary and drained, she is just glad to be home. She drops her bags on the floor, and removes her boots, not even bothering to remove her coat, moving straight to the kitchen to grab a wine glass and the bottle of merlot that she, Morgana and Elena had opened the other night when they were trying to figure out which cocktails to make for the party tomorrow night.

Elyan comes out of his room, holding a folder of some sort and greets her, offering to serve her some soup but she shakes her head and gestures to the wine instead. He raises his eyebrows at the wine and the fact that she is still wearing her coat, but says nothing, just grabs another glass and joins her on the sofa.

"Tough day Gwennie? You don't look so hot..." his tone is teasing but Gwen knows he can see she's exhausted. Which is one way of describing how she feels at this point. Hoping he won't ask her any more questions – because she doesn't want him to know what has happened, she points to the folder in his hand, to distract him. Squinting she tries to read the upside down writing on it. Something about…Pendragon Security Policy Document 2011 Edition. What is going on?

The puzzled look on her face is enough for Elyan to break into a big smile and pour himself some wine from the bottle on the coffee table.

"Gwen…You know how I told you this morning I was going to see about a possible job?" Elyan sounds quite pleased with himself and Gwen nods.

"Well…I did – get the job that is. It was actually Arthur who called. Apparently Kelvin is retiring after 20 years so they asked if I was interested in applying. I went down there and had a chat with the head of HR, Arthur, Merlin, and Kelvin. Apparently Merlin even managed to ring my CO and got a phone ref from him saying I was a good candidate for the job. It's a good package and there seems to be a good bunch of people down there, so I said I'd give it a go. Told Arthur I'd tell you the news tonight. Well? What do you reckon?"

Gwen's POV

Okaaay…Think Gwen. You are happy for your brother. You know more than anyone how hard it is for him to adjust, how he is trying his best to get back into civilian life. Now he has a job – a good one. With a good company. Yes, he does…I am happy. But? But obviously! Ok…you're pissed off, that's good. Is it? I'm not mad at Elyan. No you're mad at Arthur! Yes! Why? Because! He was helping Elyan, he knows he'd be a good asset to the company, that he has experience. So what? That's beside the point. He shouldn't have done that! Elyan is my brother, not his! He shouldn't have gone behind my back! We can take care of our own issues. I never wanted to burden him with my shit, or Elyan's! God…Why couldn't he have recommended him to another company? Plus, what is his father going to say when he hears what he did? My God! Does he ever think of anyone but himself? What? Gwen, that doesn't make sense! Maybe it does. Why does he even like you? Have you even thought that? What are his motives? What does he want out of this...whatever it is you two are doing? Gwen…What? Stop it! Stop what? Stop…doing this to yourself. Think about what you're about to say or do before you talk to Arthur. Ok fine! Oh crap…What? You won't will you? I don't know… I don't bloody know!

Elyan's smile fades a little as he studies his little sister closer, realizing that she is still silent even though he has told her good news.

"Gwen…I know you're probably thinking that Arthur shouldn't have gone behind your back and done that…And that people will talk, etc. But he didn't really. I'm sorry if you are a bit pissed about it, but you know, I still have to follow the formal process and fill in the all the forms, etc. I thought…I thought you'd be happy for me?" his voice sounds a tad disappointed now, and Gwen quickly sits up, forcing a smile on her face as she hugs him tightly. She is happy for her brother.

"El…I am happy for you! I know you'll be great and PI is lucky to have you but…I, I just wish you'd thought more about it first. I'm sorry…I know it's a great opportunity for you and all and that Arthur is our friend…I just don't want…"her voice trails off as she sees him frowning at her now.

"What? Are you worried about people talking about you and him? Or the whole "special favours" thing? Yeah, don't look at me like that – Merlin told me what that bitter ex of Arthur's did to you both and what the CEO said. Gwen, I told you before – you can't let that sort of thing get you down. You're so much stronger and the bigger person than all of them put together, just ignore it. If there are any consequences to be had, let me worry about that. It was my decision to take the post. Ok? Please…Just…don't be too upset at Arthur ok? You know…I am not just saying this because he just gave me a job at his company but, Gwennie, Arthur is a good guy".

He squeezes her shoulder, and swiftly picks up the bottle, even though Gwen fails as she tries to make a grab for it, and moving back to the kitchen, puts it back in the cabinet. Elyan has a feeling that something may be up with his sister but knowing that she can be a pretty private person most of the time, he doesn't push the issue. The only thing he does know is that it's never a good idea to go to bed with your issues and wake up with said issues and a red wine headache.

Left alone in the lounge once more Gwen fiddles with the remote, flicking until she sees Ever After – one of her favourite movies fill the screen. Settling back with her glass she watches as Drew Barrymore's character Danielle talks about how being a servant means she has no status amongst the ruling class. Snorting, she takes a long sip from her glass, thinking 'Join the club darling!".

She is so engrossed in the movie and happy not to be thinking of anything in particular, that when her phone rings, she doesn't pick it up immediately. There have been five missed calls within the last two hours. Looking at the caller ID, she swallows hard and puts her phone back on the table, trying not to think about the person calling or the party tomorrow. She turns the TV volume up louder just as Danielle is telling Leonardo da Vinci "A fish may love a bird Monsieur, but where will they live?"

Saturday morning: ETA to Party 10 Hours and counting…

It is a groggy and weary Gwen who wakes up the next morning to her phone ringing on the coffee table in the lounge where she fell asleep. Rubbing her sore neck, she reluctantly picks it up.

"'ello?...Morgs…Yes…Sorry, I didn't see your texts. Yeah, I was pretty tired after my shift. What happened?... Really? I think her name was Mena, not Meg. Yes, it is Mena. Meg was the last one's sister – anyway, why are we talking about her? No, I'm not grumpy…Just a bit tired. I think…Maybe I'm coming down with something 'cos I – No I am not just making excuses Morgs! I genuinely feel like crap. No, don't come over, I'm good, really! You don't have to - No! Morgs? Morgana Le Fay don't…Morgs?... Are you there? Hello? Morgs?"

Gwen's POV

Arrrrggghhh! I love Morgana but I don't want to see any of them right now! Great. How do I get rid of her? She won't buy my 'I'm sick' story. Come on Gwen, that's a rubbish excuse; it's your own brother's party! You have to go – he will want you there, and you don't need Merlin and God forbid, Arthur dropping in, texting and calling to find out what's going on! He's left five hundred messages since 8 pm last night already! Besides, you have tons of stuff to celebrate tonight and all that blah blah blah! Gwen…Snap out of it. Why should I? Because it's not like you. Maybe it is like me. Maybe I'm tired of being the good girl; the one who always does the right thing. I'm sick of making all the sacrifices…Focus! Breathe…..Its better this way – no one gets hurt. Suck it up and just tell him straight. Think of India and getting your degree. Life will go on. Yes…It definitely will…

AN: Thanks for reading. Love reviews so please leave me one if you have a chance to. Yeah...this one turned into Gwencentric Central - sorry folks, but Plot Bunnies insisted I go this route. Please don't hate on the level of angsty what nots here, y'all kinda knew it was coming ;) Also, something my girl Lara S said got me thinking (thanks doll!). So maybe the fireworks were the metaphoric type..who knows? Up next its "party time"...sorta :) Stay tuned...