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 bags, beer, gossipmongers and a bit of rain. Not necessarily in that order.

AN: Italics denote POV and Real Time is in normal font so I hope it doesn't get too confusing. Thank you all for the alerts, favourites and reviews - they're much appreciated. Hope you enjoy it! :)

Chapter 21: The One With Baggage

Gwen surveys her bags again, as she contemplates removing more stuff from the larger one. A practical person by nature, Gwen has tried to carefully follow the list sent to her from the school and doesn't want to take more things then she needs. Looking at her watch, she quickly moves her bags aside and sits down to put her shoes on, not wanting to be late but the sudden buzz of her cell phone indicates that Merlin is already downstairs waiting.

Merlin doesn't bother to turn off the engine as he taps his hands on the steering wheel humming along to Beyonce's 'Countdown' as he waits for Gwen. Watching her run towards his car as the rain starts he grins and makes a face at her as she rolls her eyes, getting into his car.

"Sorry! I was trying to do some last minute packing and lost track of the time. Hope you weren't waiting too long?" she is slightly out of breath as she struggles with her belt.

"Last minute packing? You? More like re-checking the bags eh? Yeah no worries, I said five so it's all good." He keeps his eyes on the road as he's trying to maneuver back into the busy afternoon traffic and Gwen settles back, momentarily closing her eyes.

Gwen's POV

Ok, so Merlin's right – you are super organised. All the time. You know exactly what you want to do and you do it. So…Yeah…Don't say it. But you're thinking it! Yes I am…Is that a smile? Uh…this is a mental thought – how can it include smiling? Ok, I mean the way you're thinking it. You're happy. Yes, I am. But I'm sad too. I'll miss El, Morgs, Merlin and all the others – so much. And Arthur? Ok, daft question! I will miss him the most. Something has shifted in our relationship but, true to our unconventional form, nothing happens the way it's supposed to. Sigh…

After a minute of contented silence Merlin clears his throat, causing Gwen to open her eyes and look over at him. Merlin smiles back briefly before looking back at the road.

"Not long now eh?" he offers, as Gwen shakes her head slightly in response.

"I know you're not going forever and it's not like there's no communication available and all that but, we'll all miss you heaps Gwen. Three months of no one to make fun of Arthur with…I suppose I will survive", he pauses as Gwen giggles at the theatrical way he stresses the last sentence.

"Ok so you'll probably bite my head off for saying this but…Gwen, what are you and Arthur doing? I mean, I know you're close and hang out, blah blah blah but seriously? You can't tell me that you don't see the way the man looks at you as if he's just crawled across a desert in search of a glass of water and you're a 1.5L bottle of Fiji Water or something –" Gwen cuts him off with a swat on his arm.

"Merlin! Please do not refer to me like I'm a beverage!" she retorts sternly, even though he knows she is not really annoyed because her eyes are twinkling. Merlin grins back and shrugs.

"Ok, bad analogy, but you know what I mean? Come on Gwen, you can tell me".

Gwen sighs, and slumps in her seat, playing with her bag strap.

"Yeah, I know Merlin. I, well, we – we kind of both admitted we have feelings for each other last weekend at the party. I still don't really know what we're doing or how things will play out – there's so much at stake here, but at least I tried to be honest with him and he was too. He was actually really sweet Merlin..," she trails off, remembering the way it felt being in his arms, and how she could almost feel his lips on hers. Shaking away those thoughts she sits up straighter.

"Ok ok, I don't need to know all those extra details Gwen. I haven't had any beer yet and it's kind of hard for a bloke to imagine another one being 'sweet', especially when it's the prince prat himself. So, what will you do?"

Gwen shrugs and looks at the buildings passing by outside.

"I don't know Merlin. We talked about spending time together and seeing where this goes but since last weekend I've been really busy with organising stuff to leave, and you guys had that mini emergency with that factory, which meant he was gone for the last two days. There hasn't been much time to spend together or talk about what's happened. So maybe it's better this way. I mean, I am coming back. It's not forever you know?"

"Yeah, well I hope you guys do get the chance to talk about it. I will not repeat this again – unless I am very very pissed but honestly Gwen, you're good for him. You might not think that you have any influence on him, but you do. And as for what good he does for you, I wouldn't know 'cos it's Arthur and maybe we're all better off with as little of his highness as possible –"he pauses as Gwen swats him again and they both laugh.

"But one thing I know for sure is that he makes you happy. Happier than I have seen you for a while. Why shouldn't the girl who has to save everyone else all the time get a happy ending too eh?"

He pulls into the car park near their favourite pub and turns to look at the woman who, apart from Arthur, is his closest friend.

Gwen suddenly feels a bit teary eyed at Merlin's words and she reaches over to hug him tightly. They are interrupted by Elyan tapping on Gwen's window, urging them to hurry up. They both alight from the vehicle and move towards the pub entrance with Elyan, grateful the rain has eased off. Gwen makes to follow Merlin to the main doors when a petite woman dressed in black steps out in front of her. Elyan enters the pub, leaving Merlin standing next to Gwen.

"Excuse me, are you Miss Gwen Leodegrance?" she asks, looking closely at Gwen. Gwen nods slightly, looking at her.

"Jena Harders, News of the Century. I was wondering if you could give us a comment before we run the story on you and your prince." Gwen frowns and steps back, clearly confused.

"Sorry? What story?" she asks. Jena Harders sighs impatiently, pulling out her phone and quickly snapping a close up picture of Gwen's bewildered expression. Merlin moves forward hastily and puts his hand on Gwen's arm.

"What's this about?" he asks somewhat 'lawyerish' (as Gwen and Morgana jokingly call it when Merlin switches to professional mode). Gwen is grateful that her friend is here.

"Let's just say we got a scoop on a secret affair that has a certain head of a very well known multinational company carrying on with an employee, and that special favors have been given. These companies have a strict office relationship policy but I guess where the Boss is involved the rules don't apply eh? We have pictures and other juicy bits thrown in for good measure-"Gwen cuts her off, as she is able to put two and two together.

"I don't know where you got your information from Ms. Harders but it's incorrect. I'm sorry that whoever gave you your 'scoop' fed you a bunch of lies. Excuse me". With Merlin still holding her arm, she turns to move into the pub, but Jena Harders moves to block her again.

"Thought you'd say that. We did some digging and the story is a good one. We're gonna run it anyway missy. I just wanted to give you a chance to get a comment in edgewise. No?" Merlin shakes his head and firmly steers Gwen towards the doors.

"So none of its true then? Arthur Pendragon didn't hire your brother without going through the proper channels? You two have never had late night rendezvous in the PI building?" Gwen hesitates and tries to mask her shock at the barrage of questions but she's too late. Jena Harders smiles triumphantly; she has caught that look in Gwen's eyes. Smiling sweetly at Merlin's scowling expression; she turns on her heel and walks off satisfied with the outcome of her 'interview' with Gwen.

Gwen is still flabbergasted by what just happened and looks at Merlin and he just shrugs. Pushing open the doors Gwen notices the lights are all off and its very quiet. Frowning, she turns back to ask Merlin what's going on and hears a loud chorus of voices shout in the dark as the pub lights come on, highlighting a bunch of people standing underneath a banner reading "Good Luck Gwen!"

"SURPRISE!" All her friends and close colleagues from her uni, the school where she did her practical and PI are there for a farewell drinks party organised by Kathy and Merlin.

Gwen laughs and moves to hug her friends and colleagues as the music comes on and people mingle around, eager to greet the guest of honor. Merlin leans against the counter next to Kelvin and Elyan who are talking about the upcoming Gunner's game and watches Gwen greeting people. He knows that she is ok, but that the meeting with the reporter for that hack gossip paper unsettled her and that she's trying to enjoy her party. Worried, Merlin pulls out his phone and dials Arthur's number but gets his voicemail. Hopefully he gets here soon, Merlin thinks. He wants to warn him about the reporter and the story.

Outside Arthur's building…

Arthur shuts the door, mentally cursing himself for falling asleep on the couch after he returned from the factory a couple of hours ago because he knows he is running late for Gwen's farewell party. He's relieved that the whole problem is fixed and that he can deal with other issues that Uther insists he handle himself.

Arthur's POV

Also, you know you're anxious to spend time with Gwen. Of course I am! Geez…We almost kissed for Pete's sake. I told her how I felt…Well I hope she realised that's what I was doing. Sighing…Uh why are you sighing? Because I thought this was the 21st century and people no longer speak in parables and just say what they mean. And? And you two are speaking to each other in riddles, but hey, whatever works. I just want to spend some time with her before she leaves. Just us. So we can figure out what we're doing. You know what you want to do. Yeah, I want to be with her.

Walking towards his car he is suddenly stopped by a petite woman who steps in front of him. He thinks he recognises her as some sort of reporter – having dealt with tabloids for many years now but he can't remember which one.

"Hi Mr. Pendragon. Jena Harders, News of the Century. We're running a story on your affair and wondered if you had any extra comment to make?" all of this is said in a syrupy sweet tone which Arthur, who now recalls this reporter from one of those dodgy gossip paper ones, is anything but charming.

Frowning, and then laughing coolly, Arthur looks down at the woman.

"Wow Ms. Harders, it must be a slow week for you. What, you couldn't get Pippa Middleton to admit that she's apparently had Botox? So you're here sniffing around for some other bites? I hate to tell you but this time, you'd just be printing lies – not that that has ever stopped you guys". Arthur smiles back, just as sweetly.

Unperturbed, Jena Harders presses for more info, swiftly pulling out her camera phone to snap a picture of him and then turning on the voice recorder.

"Why Arthur, I'm touched you give us so much credit. You know we'll just say Pippa's had the Botox anyway and that any story with Arthur Pendragon in it sells like hot cakes. Pity…What would Uther think about his son carrying on with a cleaner behind the scenes at his hugely successful company? Do you see yourself settling down with someone who is clearly not what Daddy Dearest had in mind? I'm sure he's aware of what's going on isn't he? All the favors…I mean, you have all those policies and what not…Very sordid – and not like your usual type of women..." She stops talking when she sees the fire flash in Arthur's blue eyes and he stiffens.

"I don't know what you've heard but I suggest you think very carefully about whether you want to print something that is false and then see your company sued out of business for this". He speaks slowly and frostily. Jena Harders grins broadly and saunters away from him, then pauses and turns back to him.

"We're going to run it anyway Lover Boy. Nothing you or the cleaner – who is quite pretty by the way, even if she is a bit naïve, can do about it. I just wanted to give you a chance to make a comment. Going once, going twice…"

Arthur strides over to where she's standing and Jena can see he is clearly fuming now.

"All you care about is selling your two bit paper, there's no need to drag Guinevere into this. She's a good person and doesn't deserve this. You want a comment? Ok here it is; your story is a bunch of lies, probably fed to you by someone who is just trying to sabotage the company, or because of some personal grudge and the next time you hear from me, it'll be through our lawyers".

With this final comment Arthur strides back to his car and gets in, driving off at an unnecessary speed.

Jena Harder watches him leave, with a smug look on her face as she listens to a replay of Arthur's angry voice, "…there's no need to drag Guinevere into this. She's a good person and doesn't deserve this".

Grinning, she makes her way back to her office.

At the pub…

Arthur finally arrives and spotting Merlin near the darts board, he makes his way over, accepting the beer Merlin hands him.

"Why didn't you answer your phone? Tried calling you twice", Arthur catches the worry in Merlin's tone and nods at him to continue.

"On our way into the pub Gwen and I were stopped by a reporter from that we-love-scandal newspaper. She said they were about to print a story about you and Gwen having some sort of affair. I am praying you at least have an idea what that's about?"

Arthur grips the beer bottle tighter, nodding grimly at Merlin.

"She came to see me too – about twenty minutes ago. Said they had a story about Guinevere and I having a 'sordid' affair - that was the word she used. She went on about favors, the company policies, and things, implying that maybe I was doing stuff for Gwen because of our so called affair. I told her it was lies and pulled the 'sue the pants off you guys' line but she said they'd print it anyway. I don't understand what the point of the whole thing is? To damage the company? To get some sort of revenge on Uther? It can't be against Guinevere; who in the world would want to hurt her? Where did the paper even get this information from? Unless…No, she wouldn't…No…", Merlin nudges him as Arthur is now staring off into space, his blue eyes suddenly going hard.

"Arthur! What are you thinking about?"

Shaking his head, Arthur puts his beer down on the counter and glancing towards where Gwen is chatting with her friends, he knows she hasn't realised he's here yet, then he looks back at Merlin.

"I think I know the source of all of this Merlin. She's been out for blood since she returned. When Dad's little plan for the two of us to rekindle our relationship died, I can imagine it didn't sit well with her. That lit-"Merlin cuts off his explanation

"What? You think Rhinoplasty Rita possibly fed info to the press? Arthur…You know I would be one of the first people to offer to help her pack if Vivian decided she wanted to leave civilization for a new life in the Arctic Region, but that's a pretty serious accusation to make. Plus you don't have any proof it was her. It could be anyone with a grudge against you, the Boss or the company in general. Or it could just be a 'what sells our paper 'day for the press and they just want to go with harmless chitchat they overheard from some PI person at a local pub, who knows? "Merlin is off on a monologue and doesn't notice that Arthur has already put his jacket back on and is moving away from him.

"I think what's more important at this stage is to figure out what we're going to do tomorrow in terms of damage control given that they will still run the story. I mean your father will...Arthur? Hey, where are you going?" Arthur stops walking away and turns back to Merlin.

"I need to at least find out and deal with it. I have a plan – well a way to figure out if she's involved anyway".

Merlin closes his eyes for a moment. Nine times out of ten whenever Arthur Pendragon has uttered those four words, the 'plan' has always gone a bit pear shaped and Merlin has had to intervene.

"A plan? Well that's great Brenda Lee. Good luck with that. Seriously though Arthur, we need to talk about the story."

"I'll see you later. We'll talk about damage control then ok?" he looks over at Gwen who is now dancing with Kelvin and Elyan, laughing at something her brother said. The sight of her makes him feel more relaxed.

"Oh and please tell Gwen I'm sorry I couldn't stay but something came up and I'll try and call her later tonight".

Gwen recognises Arthur's fair hair and his jacket as he moves towards the doors of the pub, obviously in a hurry to get somewhere. She stops dancing when she notices the grim way Merlin looks at his retreating back and hopes that everything is ok. Shoving the worrying thoughts of the reporter out of her head she giggles and lets Gaius grab her hand and twirl her around in a circle.

At PI Building…

Arthur knocks briskly on the door, not bothering to wait for a response before opening it and entering. Vivian is sitting behind her desk, and although her porcelain features show surprise at his appearance, it is only for a few seconds before the show smile is back and she smiles flirtatiously up at him.

"Arthur! What a lovely surprise. I guess if you're back from Wesley the factory issue is sorted now? Please have a seat. Would you care for some coffee?"

Arthur remains standing trying not to display any signs of agitation which would give away his plan of attack. Shaking his head, he smiles at her and then pulls up one of her chairs, sitting down across from her.

"I'm fine thanks. Actually…I wanted to talk to you about something that's just come to my attention. Someone, possibly one of our associates here at PI could be feeding information to the press. Information that, if possessed by the wrong people could send out the wrong message about us, well specifically about me. I'll be honest, frankly, I am worried Vivian", pausing to make it look like he's struggling to find the words to continue.

He takes note of Vivian's smile turning from adoring to an almost evil smirk. When Arthur seems ready to speak again the affectionate smile is back.

"Their story will paint me as a sleazy guy who preys on women and as the reporter who cornered me today said – it lists all the women at this company that I've had affairs with", Arthur pauses, and mentally takes note of the change in Vivian's expression, going from smug to shock when he mentioned the affairs – plural. Arthur is now eighty percent sure it was Vivian who gave information to the press and moves the plan up a notch.

"My father is probably never going to forgive me for this Viv. It would ruin my future career here – they named a whole bunch of women, including you. They talked about our relationship too…I would have to leave, resign. Possibly move somewhere different, definitely far away. None of you would ever see me again; you know how Father is about reputation and status?" Arthur puts his head in his hands for effect and it works. Vivian is out of her chair and sitting next to Arthur in less than three seconds. Putting her hands on top of his, she makes him look up at her.

Her light brown eyes well up with tears. Arthur sits up straighter, keeping her hands on his.

"Vivian? What's the matter?"

She shakes her head, sniffing now.

"Oh Arthur! I'm so sorry! I never meant for all of this to happen! Not to you." she lets go of his hands and looks down at her lap.

"What are you talking about Vivian? How can this be your fault?" Arthur plays dumb.

"When I came back to PI, I thought there was a chance that you and I could…That you and I could take up where we left off again but you didn't want anything to do with me. You ignored me, you never answered my emails to have coffee, and you never included me in your plans with friends. I didn't think you could treat me this way but-"Arthur has finally had enough of this charade, jumping out of his chair he moves away from her and stands near her couch.

"But I said no so you decided to ruin my reputation instead? How could you do that to me Vivian? In case you forget YOU left me three years ago!" Arthur is angry, but for some reason, more than anger, he also can't help feeling a bit sad and kind of sorry for her.

Vivian's cool and calm composure is gone as she openly sobs, still sitting in the chair, shaking her head.

"I never wanted to leave you in the first place Arthur! I waited...for as long as I could. For you to notice me. For you to want to marry me. You have no idea what it's like, wanting someone who doesn't want you back…So I left you, but I never really stopped wanting you back. When your father offered me a job here I came back and I put myself out there to you that night at the party. You turned me down. You told me that we could never be together. It hurt Arthur. So much…And when I saw her. When I saw her, a…cleaner…" she pauses as Arthur hands her a tissue from her desk and she blows her nose. He decides to ignore the fact that Vivian has referred to Gwen in this manner because he wants her to finish her story.

"When I saw how you spoke about her, how you looked at her. I knew it was too late for me. I was upset and jealous and…I wanted to get my revenge".

Arthur shakes his head, trying to wrap his head around all of the things that Vivian has said; he sits back down, on the couch, further away from her.

"So it was you who told father about Guinevere and me that night? Which caused us to have that fight? I – kind of understand why you wanted to get back at me but what did she ever do to you? You were so nasty and –"

Vivian has stopped crying now, but is still visibly upset and she interrupts Arthur loudly, glaring over at him

"Because you loved her even then! I could see it in your eyes Arthur! All my life I have gotten everything I've ever wanted and this time, I couldn't have you because you were already taken – you just didn't know it yet! I was angry, hurt, and embarrassed so I…I hired a PI to track you both and to take pictures of you, find out information – even about you hiring her brother and then contacted an ex school mate who is a reporter with a newspaper owned by Father. I never said anything about other women, or about me. I don't know how they got all that other information, I swear! I only -"

Arthur looks at Vivian. The anger he felt towards her has faded away a bit as he watches her now; a sad, lonely, bitter lady with $200 runny mascara crying into a ratty tissue.

"I know you didn't Vivian. I made that stuff up. I had a feeling that you might have had something to do with this whole thing but…I needed to find out for sure", Arthur pauses before continuing.

"Vivian…I'm…I'm sorry." He says finally. Vivian looks up in surprise.

"What? Why are you sorry? I'm the psycho one", she blurts out as Arthur smiles faintly.

"Because you're right. When you and I were together, I wasn't a perfect boyfriend. I was all about my career and going places with the company but at that stage I was still letting Father call the shots- I know I got into the relationship because of all the pressure, keeping up with the traditions of being a Pendragon and doing what 'we're supposed to do', and that was not fair to you – because I knew you were more involved than I ever was. When you left, even though I was a bit sad, I didn't feel like I needed to fight for you because I was kind of relieved to be able to do what I always wanted to. I know that sounds horrible but it's the truth. It may not seem like much now and it's a bit late but I am sorry".

Vivian blows her nose and gives him a bleary smile.

"Thank you Arthur. I should be the one apologizing for all the things I've done to you and your friends over the years. I know you don't have to accept it but I…I'm truly sorry".

Arthur comes to sit next to her again, and looks at closely. He has known Vivian Olaf all his life but has never known her to admit to any wrongdoing and most of all apologise for her actions or words.

Smiling gently, Arthur nods and Vivian smiles back, somewhat hesitantly. Suddenly, she stands up, as if she's remembered something urgent. Arthur watches her as she moves back towards her desk for her cell phone.

"Yes, Jena Harders please. I don't care if she's in a meeting. You can tell her that Vivian Olaf – as in Olaf Publishing & Co is calling for her and she'd better be on the other end of the line in the next two seconds. What's that? She's free? Lovely…Yes, I will hold thank you. Jena? Yes. I know, I heard. There's been a change of plans so I wa- Yes, you heard me – I want it scrapped. I don't care if you've already run it up to the front office. Stop it. I don't think we need to bother the Editor with this do we? I don't care, not my problem. Fix it. Bye". Hanging up, she turns back to Arthur who is now standing, watching her.

She bites her lip and looks down guiltily.

"Thank you Vivian", he says quietly. Vivian shrugs and finally looks up, meeting his eyes.

"It's the very least I can do after all the things I've done to you…and Gwen…" When Vivian says her name Arthur's heart beats a little bit faster. He mentally breathes a sigh of relief, not just for him, but for Gwen and what might have happened if the article had come out. Vivian doesn't miss the way his expression changes when she mentions her name.

"You…um…you really care for her don't you?" she ventures the question.

Arthur doesn't answer, just nods. Vivian gestures towards the door.

"Well, you'd better go get her – before she leaves eh?"

Arthur moves towards the door, and then turns back to where Vivian is now sitting back down at her desk.

"Will you be ok?" he asks

Vivian's million dollar smile is back on her face as she turns to meet his gaze.

"I will be now. Thank you Arthur".

AN: Yep...who would've thunk it? Vivian actually is capable of being human...in a not too bad way :) Did anyone pick up on the tiny reference to tv show The Closer? ;) Anyhoo, thanks for sticking around and reading. Please drop us a review if you get the chance. Up next Chapter 22...