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 a party! Everyone's there - including a fireman's hat, and a weird named punch makes its debut. Don't ask me for the recipe though - its all over the place, hence the name. Hope you all enjoy this next installment :)

AN: Italics denote POV and Real Time is in normal font so I hope it doesn't get too confusing. Thank you lovely people who favourited my story, alerted it and took time to review - Lara, Halo (you rock!), BPP, Guardian Izz, Naol (thank you!), and Maddi (cheers for that, and sorry, no am not on Tumblr but please continue to read and feel free to drop me a review :)). Thanks all of you! This chapter was a bit harder than the rest...Think it was all the emotional stuff..dunno, but hey, I tried me best so any errors/faux pas are my own :) xox Islandgem

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

Chapter 19: The One With The Punch

Countdown to Party, ETA: 8 hours and counting…

Gwen seals the containers and pops them into the fridge, mentally ticking them off the list of items to prepare. Morgana had arrived at her place twenty minutes after their phone call and insisted she "check" Gwen herself. Not being able to bluff an instant illness, she had resigned herself to getting ready and then had gone shopping with Morgana to get stuff for the party. For the last three hours she had mechanically gone about helping Morgana and Elena organize food and other things for the evening. Sometimes, being busy was the best distraction – and it helped her keep her mind active too.

She can hear Morgana laughing with Elena as they move the karaoke machine into the living room area, puffing and complaining that as usual the guys are absent for the 'heavy lifting/men stuff ' just as the front door opens and shuts. Smiling to herself, she enters the room to assist them and sees Merlin, back from the liquor store, only he's not alone.

Arthur pauses when he spots Gwen and he looks at her with a smile, happy to see her since she has not returned any of his calls or messages. She smiles back, rather tightly and nods, pointing back towards the kitchen to indicate she's attending to something there and leaves. Arthur frowns slightly and telling Merlin he'll only be a minute, follows her.

Gwen's POV

Real smooth Gwen. Thought you were gonna play it cool? Now he's definitely going to come in here and ask you what's up. Great!

"Hey, hi. Is everything ok? I mean…I tried calling last night but yeah, sorry, we did finish quite late." She concentrates on setting out the fruit and vegetables on the counter instead of looking directly at him as his blue eyes focus on her with concern. Turning towards him, she smiles brightly, shrugging.

"Yeah sorry…I was really exhausted last night and basically fell asleep in front of the telly. Just one of those days you know?"

"Oh ok. Did you…uh, get a chance to talk to Elyan?"

"Yes, he told me about the job…He's really looking forward to it…That was really generous of you to consider him for a post at PI…" she looks down and Arthur moves forward, until he is standing right in front of her so she has to look up at him.

"His reputation and work ethic is just what the company is looking for…I think it would be a good fit. And you don't have to worry Guinevere, of course, it's all by the book and that will all be presented to the CEO and Board who I'm sure will approve…I guess…I just wanted to know if you were…you know, ok with it all?" He tries not to sound too hopeful as he had wanted to know how she felt about her brother coming to work for PI.

Gwen mentally groans when she hears him mention the word 'CEO' and the voice in her head screams at her to keep it together. She settles for another forced smile in his general direction.

"Oh yes, I'm sure you've thought of everything. That's…Great to hear. Anyway, I should get this stuff ready…" nodding as she turns back to find the fruit platters from a cupboard.

Arthur is now getting the distinct impression that Gwen is not really herself today for some reason and as he is about to open his mouth to ask her about it he hears Merlin calling him. Inwardly cursing his bad timing – again, he mumbles something about needing to go pick up some ice from somewhere and leaves the room.

"So…I'll see you later at the party?" he sticks his head back around the door as he asks, his blue eyes looking directly into hers, with a dopey grin on his face. Gwen smiles – a genuinely one this time, she can't help it when he looks at her like that, and she nods. Satisfied with the response he grins back and leaves.

Countdown to Party: ETA: Thirty Minutes (Give or take)…

"Gwen! What happened to the dress? You promised! Guinevere Leodegrance come on! What gives?"

Gwen holds her hands up in protest, but Morgana is on a roll as she berates Gwen for not wearing the dress they had both decided on when they went shopping. Gwen has settled on her black pants and a blood orange top instead. While it is (half a) step up from her usual jeans and lavender top combo, Morgana can't help being a bit disappointed and wonders what has brought on the sudden change of heart. The Gwen standing in front of her in the (still nice but not as lovely) outfit is not the same happy, laughing Gwen who had agreed with her to buy and wear the gorgeous black dress yesterday.

"Morgs…Calm down. This isn't the Oscars! Besides, you know I'm not a fan of dresses normally so yeah…Besides, you did help me chose this top last Christmas, so it's all good. Ok?" Morgana moves away from Gwen and sits on the edge of her bed, studying her friend in silence. Gwen turns and looks down at her, hoping this is the end of it. But it's not.

"So…Does this decision to change attire have anything to do with you not being sick even though you said you were this morning when I rang?"

Gwen freezes, and then goes for the indifferent tone when she answers.

"Hmm? No. As I said to you three times when you unnecessarily came over earlier Morgs, I was just really tired from my shift – and final papers I guess. I didn't realise there would be so much work this close to the end of the road. Plus, I've been organising stuff for India so yeah…It's been pretty full on. Nothing to it". She turns to leave the room, praying it's enough for Morgana to forget it. No chance.

"Gwennie…Is everything ok? I mean…You seem a bit…off today is all…Wait – did Arthur do something? 'Cos if that prat thinks he can – or did that gold digging Medusa Vivian come –"

Gwen lets out a laugh and silences her with a pat on her arm, now joining her on the bed where she still hasn't moved.

"No Morgs! None of the above! I told you – I'm just a little…overwhelmed by everything I guess. A lot has happened in the last few months and I guess I'm still trying to process all of it…Sorry if I haven't really been 'with it' lately".

Gwen's POV

Don't tell her! You know what she's like. Yes I do. I know she doesn't buy my "it's all good line". Crap! Crap! Crap! Don't tell her. You know she'll tell Merlin. No she won't. Uh…do fish swim? Um…Yes, Gwen, the answer is Yes! You tell Morgs pretty much everything, what's the biggie? Uh…I don't want her to say what I know she'll say. So tell her not to. Okay were you not here when I just used the fish swimming scenario? Fine! I won't.

"You know…El's doing well Gwennie. I know you're worried about him but he is really looking forward to the new job and all that…I know you're happy he's back but it must still be a bit of an adjustment for you both right?"

Gwen smiles and nods, thinking of her brother, she reaches for a fluffy pillow and hugs it to her chest,.

"Yeah…I do worry about him – a fair bit. Though, since we had that talk the other night, things are much better. I'm really proud of him Morgs, he's come so far. I guess…I just wanted to be the one to help him through it you know, which is silly because he's a grown man, who can totally fend for himself – and he has been all these years, but I guess with the whole job thing…To be honest, I...Um...I wasn't totally supportive of his job straight off you know," she blushes as she recalls her reaction when Elyan had told her the other night.

Morgana raises one eyebrow and moves closer to Gwen.

"Yeah…I…I was happy for him of course - knowing Arthur and Merlin, they wouldn't have offered it to him if they didn't consider his expertise, experience, etc…I know it's by the book, properly done and all that but I was kinda…pissed off with him Morgs…Which is stupid, because he is just doing what any savvy businessman would do if they were headhunting but it annoyed me, I mean El's my brother – and I just didn't want to seem like we're, well, I'm burdening him with my issues –" Morgana cuts off Gwen's tirade suddenly.

"Wait…I'm a little confused. You're upset with…Arthur? Gwen…he didn't go behind your back you know? And like you said, it's all above board. Elyan is happy and your relationship with your brother is on the right track. This is a good thing, no?" She frowns as she studies her friend, who shrugs and nods, now playing with the pillow tassels.

"Yeah…it is, but, I guess I don't like him getting bogged down with all my stuff – he has enough on his plate, what with the pressure of running the whole company, all the weight on his shoulders and sometimes I feel a bit guilty venting to him…I mean, that's what friends do I guess, but still…You know me…" her voice trails off and she looks at Morgs.

Morgana nods thoughtfully as she moves closer to Gwen and puts her arm through hers.

"Yeah I do…Gwen; it's not a bad thing that you have someone like Arthur around, on your team. You can't tell me you don't value what you guys have? You guys are pretty…tight." Morgana giggles as Gwen shoots her a withering look and she leans on Gwen's shoulder.

"Sorry, bad choice of words, but you kind of are! Anyway, you know he cares about you – way more than you are willing to admit. What about that whole episode with his father the dragon? You know what that was about?"

Gwen sighs, despondently, Morgana notices. Something else is obviously bugging her friend.

"Yeah that's just it! Sometimes I think we're better off not being friends or knowing each other. I seem to just attract trouble to him – there's just too much riding on it that shouldn't even matter in this day in age, but apparently it still does. At least as long Uther Pendragon is still alive, breathing, and getting his way. He's determined to make it stay that way – he said as much… Oh, um, I mean…Uh, hey we should go, and it's starting to sound like an Oprah marathon in here. I'm sure Ellie must be on her way over by now. Morgs?..."

Morgana sits up suddenly, staring at Gwen in surprise as she realizes that she has just said too much. Crap.

"What? What do you mean Uther Pendragon said as much? Wait…Gwen…What are you not telling me?...Guinevere!" When Morgana shouts her full name Gwen finally stops and turning slowly closes her eyes for a moment before opening them and walking back to Morgana who is also standing now, waiting.

"Last night, I was doing Cathy's section so I was actually cleaning Arthur's room when the Boss came in looking for him. He recognized me and…we talk-"

"Oh my God Gwen! Why didn't you say something? What did he say?" Morgana's eyes have grown wider with concern and she grabs Gwen's hands tightly. Gwen mentally curses the fact that she let her guard down fleetingly and now has Morgana freaking out.

"He asked me if I thought my relationship with Arthur was appropriate considering…and he reminded me about our differences and…basically Morgs, he told me to 'back off'. In civil, stiff, proper English - which is to be expected from a member of one of Camelot's first families, of course"…Gwen attempts to make light of the situation.

Morgana shakes her head, as her green eyes furiously fix on Gwen.

"Polite? The devious, stuck-up, basta-! How dare he – Gwen…I'm so sorry…No wonder you didn't want to talk this morning…I just wish you'd told me doll…"

Gwen smiles sadly and shrugs, hoping that if she doesn't talk too loud (or quickly) Morgana will calm down quicker.

"It's ok Morgs. I'm a big girl – The Dragon was just reiterating what I already knew…Please, just…Don't make a big deal out of it and do not tell anyone – that means Merlin. Morgana Therese Le Fay? Promise me. Please? Just...let me deal with it?" Gwen is petite and a lot shorter than willowy Morgana, but at this moment in time she looks so determined (and a little bit scary) that Morgana unwillingly nods, raising her eyebrows.

"Fine…But only because you made me promise…Can I say one, no two things though? Please?"

Gwen nods, allowing her to continue.

"First of all I think you should tell Arthur", she pauses as she watches Gwen vehemently shaking her head at the suggestion and then continues, "Yes, you should! His father's meddling, archaic notions are so shallow and Gwen, they were hurtful! He deserves to know how you're feeling because of it – and the second, which is tied into the first thing; please don't do anything rash – as in pull the "it's for the best" tag line and tell Arthur you guys can't hang out anymore or whatever it is you two do all those hours you're alone together everyday – no, I'm not exaggerating, it really is a lot of time for two people who are not in a relationship to spend together laughing about Homer Simpson quotes, and doing nothing but watching X Files re runs, Bad Boys I on repeat, and eating peanut M&Ms! I'm sorry but honestly, that is what it looks like to all of us (it's obvious to Uther the 'Thin Controller' too evidently!) Please, just…Don't throw away something great. Talk to him. Ok?

Gwen fights down the lump forming in her throat again, not wanting to agree, but she knows she can't flat out say she won't either. Instead she simply plays mute for a few seconds.

In the end, it is a case of saved by the bell because Elena and Leon arrive at that moment and Morgana has to go meet them and make sure that impromptu barman Leon is all set up. Sighing in relief, Gwen joins them in the living area to help, and when Morgana glances at her again with a questioning look on her face, Gwen frowns at her.

Back from his errand, Merlin comes up to her and quickly hugs her.

"Wow. You look lovely Gwen. That red top is a winner." Gwen smiles her thanks as she hands over some chilled cocktail glasses to Leon. She can get through the evening in one piece. It is a party after all.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city at the Country club…

Arthur is late. In fact, he is not even at the party yet, even though he knows it's already started. Uther had called him just before lunch while he was getting ice with Merlin to ask him to a game of tennis down at the country club then invited Arthur to "have a drink" with him and a few of his closest buddies, including Steven Olaf, Vivian's father after the game. Arthur, thanks to years of practice with more or less the same people, and numerous female friends of the one-dimensional sort, was able to tune out mentally as he sipped his beer and made polite conversation with them for two hours longer than he wanted to be there for, trying not to cringe as he listened to Olaf talk about his business, and his family, in particular, how "thrilled Viv was to be working with PI and Arthur". Charming. Eating crisps, Arthur mulls over his thoughts instead.

Arthur's POV

Nice one Dad. Forgot how irritating Vivan's old man can be – see where she gets it from. This is how the CEO does subtle? Shoving the old school squad down my throat during my weekend, masking it with Father/Son time? Why can't he just say 'Hey Arthur, glad to see you, how is life? Glad to have you working with me?' Too much to expect I suppose. Well, I'm almost thirty so it's kinda late for that sort of thing anyway. This is going to make me late for the party. Doesn't matter though; as Merlin said – so I really shouldn't put too much faith in this statement, no one comes on time to a party anyway.

Wonder if Gwaine will bring Mena – yeah, out of all of us only Guinevere actually remembered her name correctly – even Gwaine forgot, hence the hiding of the wallet the other night. How does he do it? Makes me sound like a saint with women…Well…I'm not; I'm the first to admit it. But…But what? Nothing. Yeah ok then...Great, just what I need, a body that's gone to sleep with the boredom from the occasion I am now partaking in, and now a sarcastic sub conscious. Aren't I lucky? Well if you insist on lying to yourself, no need for me then is there? Meaning? Meaning…What are you going to do about Guinevere? Why? What's wrong with her? Nothing. But there could be something wrong with you. Me? Why? You really don't get it do you? You like her. Of course I like her. She's...amazing. Yeah, well…You should tell her. I want to but…Yes? She doesn't feel the same way. How do you know? 'Cos I know women. Oh yeah…that's totally true…Stop it. Anyway, it doesn't matter; nothing can ever come of it. It's just talk, and she is so bloody…independent, she has her own life, wants to do her own thing all the time...She...um...She doesn't need anyone…By anyone you mean you? Okay, yes! Me, she…doesn't need me…And? Well…I kinda…well, I like it when women need me...Plus, it's hard – too much responsibility.

I am trying to do everything that I'm supposed to be doing to run a successful international company, and there's my father…I have to do the right thing by the company, by the rules. I can't break them and expect everyone else not to can I? LMAO. Huh? It means I am laughing my ass off at your ridiculous reasoning. You're better than anything on Jerry Springer. Honestly, you told Uther to back off at the party but here you are…is there an echo in the room? Oh hello Arthur, or should I call you 'Uther Jnr'? Ok, ok, no need to rub it in! I don't want to ruin what we have! It's pretty good as it is. You sure about that? I…think so. I think you're a bit of a chicken…Why? Because I don't want to lose a good friend? The only real female friend I've ever had? You mean the only one that you didn't want to sleep with and then get rid of after a week? Yes…no! The first one I genuinely like enough to spend time with, talk to about anything, do stuff with, be myself with…So you're content to just…stay that way? Yeah, I guess…Ok…Ok what? Ok nothing; it is what it is.

Well…I do want to talk to her though...She seems a bit down today…I don't know why, and she didn't text or anything last night…I was worried she would be upset about Elyan's post but…Should I talk to her? Yes, talk. Act. Do something! Seriously? No…Don't do a thing. Be a good friend, let her go. Get on with your life. Date a model. Seriously. Yes. Really? Geez man, I am you! What do you want me to say to myself?

Two and a half hours later, Arthur is able to make his excuses and drive back to his place to take a shower and change before heading over to Morgana's.

After passing all the cars and finally finding a space further down the street, Arthur walks back towards the house and as he turns to enter the gate, accidentally bumps into a nervous looking stocky man who seems to be moving in the opposite direction but looking up at Morgana's house.

"Oof! Sorry Sir. Are you alright?" Arthur asks the man who seems to be carrying a digital camera and a notepad.

"N-no worries. My mistake." He mumbles hurrying down the street in the opposite direction. Arthur shrugs and opens the gate; he can hear the music and laughter coming for the property and thus forgets all about the man on the street.

Back at Morgana's…

Gwen and Merlin laugh as they watch Percival and Elena do the Macarena – well attempt to do it as they "teach" Elyan and Kelvin the steps. She is feeling slightly better after seeing the arrival of her friends and other friends of Elyan's, hers and Morgana's, including a good crowd of work friends from PI. There is a good crowd of over 60 people moving through the various rooms of Morgana's spacious town house, including outside in the garden area which has been nicely light up with the old Christmas lights – courtesy of Elyan the resident 'electrician' and a few old tiki torches Morgana had spruced up.

Of course, the fact that she has also had some of Elena's delicious tapas spread to eat, and the three glasses of 'Leon's Ludicrous Punch' – which Gwaine had pointed out, the name alone was certainly idiotic, she was feeling a tad more herself. Plus, Arthur was late – almost two hours late in fact. Maybe he wasn't coming, the (really tiny) hopeful part of her brain mused, but just after she thinks it, she suddenly spots him smiling as he moves amongst the crowd, shaking hands, kissing a cheek here and there, greeting Elyan and when he sidesteps by Gwaine with a half clap Macarena style he laughs, his rich baritone filling the spaces where the music doesn't quite reach, and when he does this, Gwen slowly exhales a breath she never realized she was holding. It suddenly dawns on her – perhaps aided by the punch ingredients that she has been staring at him for quite a while now, something she feels shy about because she has just discovered that she loves his laugh and how his whole face lights up when he's happy.

Gwen's POV

Crap. Gwen…I know I know…It's just…You should tell him you are into him. No. No way! We're friends…Soon to be…whatever it is you've told yourself you're going to be. Okay, well at least tell yourself the truth. Can't; it's like Uther said – yeah yeah yeah, blame it on him why don't you? He doesn't like me that way…Yeah girl…You keep telling yourself that. You can tell yourself that about him, but what about you? What way do you like him? Nope. Not even gonna go there! I need another drink! Haha…What is Elyan wearing on his head? Looks like a fireman's hat…

Touching Merlin's arm and gesturing towards the bar area, she leaves him. He is still looking at her when Arthur finally makes his way over to where Merlin and Gwen were standing together before she left. Arthur nods at him and Merlin hands him a beer.

"Here you go Boss Man. Was beginning to think you'd been sucked into the black hole of rich, possibly inbred country clubdom to the point of never to return. However did you find your way back out of the cashmere vests and make it here?" Arthur guffaws at Merlin's witty comment and after clinking his bottle against Merlin's, takes a swig and shakes his head.

"Yeah…Tell me about it. Anyways, I'm here now. Looks like everyone's having a good time though eh?" He gestures with one hand while tapping his foot in time to the music.

Merlin nods, looking thoughtful and decides this is a good moment to talk 'Arwen' with Arthur.

"Yeah almost everyone…" he replies, nodding significantly in Gwen's general direction. Arthur nods and shrugs, downing the rest of his beer.

"Yeah about that…She seems…I dunno, kind of down today. Maybe it's just all the last minute stuff she's been busy organizing, and Elyan being back…I wanted to have a chat with her later…Is she feeling better now?" Merlin takes a moment to answer – as he is not quite sure what to say. Before he can say anything Morgana grabs both their hands and drags them to join in the conga line – and groaning, Arthur reaches into his back pants pocket, extracting a five dollar note slapping it into Gwaine's outstretched palm who is leading the conga line apparently, before joining Morgana and Merlin as they continue, fifteen men strong (with more people joining in) as they progress through the large open space. Arthur and Gwaine are suitably amazed that Merlin seems to know just about all the words to 'Tik Tok' as they move along in the line with other guests, laughing and dancing.

Gwen moves away from Leon, picking up Morgana's digital camera, she grins as she takes a few pictures of said conga line capturing Gwaine pushing a happily intoxicated Elyan and two other burly army guys to the head of the line as the song changes to that 'Drinking Rum & Red Bull' song that Gwaine then loudly proclaims is one of his 'personal favorites' to which Percival and Merlin chime in that there's no surprise there.

Laughing at this comment, she turns to put the camera away and freezes when she notices Arthur is staring straight at her, and to her horror, she feels tears beginning to prickle her eyelids and knows she can't let Arthur see her looking anything less than…festive. Unfortunately, Arthur, who has been studying Gwen for the last five minutes and now knows something is definitely bothering her, catches her change of expression.

Gwen's POV

Damn it! Don't do that. Bloody Leon's Lets-Make-Gwen-Cry Punch! Uh…It could just be the alcohol and the fact you have had a fair bit. Ok, don't argue, just leave. Go get more ice. More napkins, I don't know; something! Just…Don't let him see you upset.

Forcing her movements into ultra casual mode, she leaves to go back to the kitchen and almost collides with Morgana and Merlin in the hallway, as she gives Morgana a pointed look and then keeps walking, faster now, and thinking that Arthur has not seen her. Morgana immediately makes to follow her, but Merlin, noticing Arthur moving towards them with a frown on his face, touches Morgana's hand and shakes his head. Morgana spots Arthur and for the briefest moment looks a bit apprehensive then smiles brightly at him.

"Be…patient with her Arthur Pendragon" she tells him firmly before walking off, pulling Merlin with her. Arthur throws him a confused look. Why does he have to be patient with Guinevere? What does Morgana mean by that? Merlin is as confused as he is and merely shrugs, letting his girlfriend pull him away back to the party. He doesn't know what's happened, but he has a feeling Morgana might, and that it's high time 'Arwen' talked about whatever it was.

AN: Thanks for taking the time to read, and as always reviews are most welcome! Yep...Arthurcentric Street (hey, a girl's gotta try to be consistent at least ;)). Its a party of course...but like y'all said, Arwen need to get some stuff off their chests - maybe, possibly, hopefully. Stay tuned for Chapter 20 folks!

Songs referenced in this chapter:

Drinking Rum – Future Fambo feat. Beenie Man

Tik Tok – Ke$ha

Macarena – Los del Rio