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 alcohol, Denzel and Ryan (ooh arr! sorry, that's just me drooling on my keyboard), Uther being...Uther and a spa! 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. Also, I am really really sorry about the loooong wait and thank my faithful reviewers who pm'd to check up on me. I am fine - just swamped with RL doo woops and what not. Here it is: Chapter 22...Hope you enjoy it! :)

Chapter 22: The One With Cleansing

Gwen gives the empty (and spotless) locker a final wipe down with the damp cloth, before standing back to have a final look. She locks it and leaves the locker room.

Gwen's POV

I know it sounds silly to get sentimental about a locker but here I am… When I answered the ad to work here two and a half years ago, I didn't know that I would meet another best friend, and meet a whole bunch of other close friends, or…Arthur. I knew of him – the tabloids and the gossip mags 'news' about him and models…but I wouldn't have met him. Funny how things happen that way isn't it? Stop getting all sentimental Gwennie! Get a move on. Morgs is coming to pick you up in front. Ah, that's right, the 'Morgs and Gwen Day' – whatever that means. I wonder what happened to Arthur the day of my party…He left your party – very abruptly. Yeeees…but he wouldn't have unless it was really important. Yes, but why didn't he want to tell you when he finally rang late last night? I dunno…Maybe it's confidential. Work stuff? Okay…No big deal, you can meet up with him later. Well you leave in less than a week so it will be soon…

Gwen hops into Morgana's car as she hangs up the phone rather hurriedly. Gwen puts her seatbelt on as Morgana starts up the car again.

"Who were you talking to Morgs?" she enquires as she fiddles with the car radio looking for their favourite station.

Morgana shrugs casually and concentrates on driving, "Uh…Merlin. He was just calling to say hi". Gwen sighs overdramatically at her friend and pretends to swoon, "Ah true love…Truly sickening", she says jokingly as Morgana sticks her tongue out. They both burst into laughter.

Half an hour later they are driving up a winding, well manicured driveway with beautiful grounds and fountains. Gwen looks around her with interest and decides not to bother asking Morgana for the fifteenth time where they are going for their "Gwen and Morgs Day" because she will just keep telling her in that annoying secretive way "you'll see".

When they finally pull up at the entrance to the most exclusive spa in the city "The Eden Centre" , Gwen notices the sign and gasps, clapping her hands in glee, turning to Morgana who smiles proudly.

"Oh my god Morgs! How did you-? This place is so exclusive! I mean, we always talked about coming here one day - if we could, but it's too much, seriously, we ca-", Morgana waves her hand and cuts of Gwen's speech with a grin.

"Yes, we did always talk about coming here one day – when we had money (and connections to do it because for this place it helps) and all that jazz...Gwen, I wanted to make your last week special and our day out today extra fun so yeah, here we are and no issues about how exclusive or how dear it is – you deserve this and we are gonna have a great time, ok?" The two best friends hug, and enter the spa for a full day of relaxation and spa heaven. Morgana watches Gwen fondly as she exclaims about how lovely the spa is, silently thanking Arthur for pulling some strings to get them booked in for a whole day.

The communications director finally leaves his office as Arthur wearily asks his assistant if his schedule is finally clear. He feels tired, but happy and brightens up considerably as he dials an all too familiar number on his mobile. He was pleasantly surprised when Morgana had called him two days ago to ask if he could help them get into the exclusive Eden Centre Spa, knowing that the owner of the spa was a family friend of the Pendragons. Arthur doesn't really understand what it is about spas and women needing to go to them, but because it is for Gwen, of course he was happy to organise it for her.

"Hello you've reached Gwen's phone. Sorry I can't take your call but please leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you."

Arthur hates voice mail, and is about to hang up but then he remembers today is "Gwen and Morgs Day" and they will be 'busy' all day, so he takes a deep breath and speaks.

"Guinevere? Hey, it's me, Arthur Pendragon. I – er…Okay, why did I just say my last name? Okay, that was weird. Um, anyway, so, I know you're doing something top secret today with Morgana but I wondered if you were free tomorrow night? I thought we could go t-" Beep Beep Beep…

Arthur's POV

Great! My voice message got cut off…Nice. Now what? Uh, you can call back and leave another message? No, that's dorky...Yeah, it is, as opposed to saying your full name on a voice message to the woman you're not in love but really are. Stop it. But it's so fun with you. Stop it. Call her back. I will…I will.

Gwen stretches out on her couch with a mug of hot chocolate, sighing contentedly. It had been a long and luxurious day with Morgana at the spa, and they were later joined by Elena for dinner and karaoke at their favourite sushi place before she came home to find a note from Elyan saying he would be doing the night shift at PI.

Gwen's POV

Only a couple of days left before I leave for India…Elyan is happy and likes his work. M&M are happy together, and Arthur is…Well, he and I are finally going on a…okay, maybe it isn't. I don't know. Well, I am hoping it might be, but we – he, well we both didn't say the word or anything when I called him back after I heard his unconventionally, but cute voice message. Okay, did I just call Arthur Pendragon cute? Eh…yes I did. Great…One slow dance with him and I'm fifteen again. So we're having dinner tomorrow, well doing something tomorrow anyway. He said to meet outside my building at 6:30 pm. Is it ok to be excited? And a little bit nervous? Its Arthur, you don't have to be…No, I do. Why? Because it's Arthur…

The day of the (not) date arrives…

Arthur is already running late – thanks to the meeting finishing later then he had hoped, and he is just about to leave the office when Mathieu, his father's assistant calls to inform him that his father needs to see him at his house at half past five for an urgent family matter which he is not allowed to discuss on the phone. Arthur frowns but sighs inwardly and confirms that he will there on time. He decides to leave work early and go home before going to his father's home, that way he can meet Gwen straight afterwards whatever it is his father has in store for him.

When Arthur arrives at his father's town house, he is surprised to find caterers bringing food and beverages out to the garden and spotting Uther walking towards his study, he follows him in. Upon entering he finds him already sitting behind his mahogany desk, waiting for Arthur to take a seat. His expression, true to form, is grim.

Arthur's POV

For once, it would be great if he could just smile or at least say something other than "Arthur it's come to my attention"…Oh well, at least I know he is consistent in his disapproval of me and what I do with this company. I wonder what I've done now…I just hope this doesn't take too long. I don't want to be late to meet Guinevere.

Arthur doesn't have to wait long as he gets right to the point.

"Arthur, I had a visit from Vivian on Tuesday before I went to my committee meeting," his father begins in his usual curt tone.

Hearing the name, Arthur sighs inwardly, bracing himself for the fallout.

"She told me that she was resigning, effective immediately. Did you know anything about this, because I certainly did not."

Arthur waits a moment before replying with a shake of his head, "No, I didn't. She did not say anything to me on the matter. Perhaps, she felt it was better she told you herself seeing as you are the one who hired her", he can't help adding, which of course, causes Uther's face to turn even stonier (if that is possible).

"Why would she resign? She was settling in here and I thought...Well I assumed that the two of you were rekindling your relationship as it should be, given that you -"

Arthur shakes his head and laughs out loud, something that surprises both his father and himself. Usually he can restrain himself in this type of situations, but all of a sudden he feels tired, and his father's supposition that Vivian was a good fit for PI.

"Father, as I have told you time and time again, Vivian came back here as an employee of Pendragon Industries and she and I are not and have not resumed our relationship at any time since she's been back. That would be inappropriate at any rate, so I wish you would stop thinking it were so".

Uther lets out an angry sigh and glares at Arthur, "Yes, we all know you are stringent in your own observance of company rules regarding relationships within the work place Arthur. You're sure you had nothing to do with her leaving?"

Arthur takes a deep breath, willing himself not to lose his temper with his father who he knows is now trying to rile him up intentionally. He stands up and picks up his jacket, giving a sign to his father that he believes this meeting is now over.

"Did she give you a reason for her resignation Father?" he asks evenly, choosing to ignore the inference.

Uther shrugs and also stands up, "She said she wanted a change of scenery and is moving to be closer to her older sister in France. I just hope it's not because of you and your actions – again".

Arthur snorts and shakes his head, "Of course, you would immediately think it was my fault. Did it ever occur to you that perhaps Vivian is also tired of other people deciding things for her? That she wants to start over and do things for herself for once?"

Uther looks startled and pauses before speaking, in a quieter and somewhat regretful tone this time.

"You know, half the time, I don't understand what it is you're trying to do Arthur. What is it that makes you want to…to rebel against me and our traditions so much? What is it that I have done to make you act this way? You come from a long line of Pendragons and with that comes tradition, honor, and responsibility. I have tried to teach you, to ready you for all of this but…But I don't get it."

Arthur sighs, and sits back down in his chair.

"Father…Believe me when I tell you, all I have ever tried to do is follow the example you and my ancestors have set with this company. Part of that is to use our fortunes and successes for good and to continue to maintain our company as a leader in the world, it is necessary to move with the times, to bring in positive practices and work with people, understand your associates, not just…rule over them and –"

Uther stands up and turns away from Arthur angrily, and then he begins to pace around his study, as if he is willing himself to calm down.

"Arthur, I don't know how many times I can tell you! Do you honestly think I will ever let you run this company if you act and think this way? All the things you do and practices you bring in, you can't think this will make this company more successful do you ? You think hanging around with people who are… not from your station will do anything for you or this company?"

Arthur stands up again, ready to leave once more.

"If I didn't, I wouldn't make all this effort Father. Now, was there anything else?"

"Sit down! I am not finished! You will obey me and show me some respect in my own house!" he thunders glaring at his son who remains standing, staring back at him, silently counting to ten in his head.

"I did not come here to fight, nor is it my intention to disrespect you", Arthur concedes quietly while remaining standing, "but I take offence to you inferring that I somehow jeopardized Vivian's employment at PI and as for all the other things you've told me, I take under advisement, but I make no apologies if they are for the betterment of the company that you and our family – with the help of all our associates have built up so successfully".

The elder Pendragon opens his mouth as if he is about to say something more on the matter, but instead he nods briskly and moves towards the door.

"Right, well. Then I suppose we'd better go out there and host the party then shall we?" turning with his hand on the door.

"What party?" Arthur is confused, trying to recall any emails or memos coming from the CEOs office informing him about a function and fails.

Uther turns to give him a strained smile, "Well, that's the other reason why I required you to be here. Since Vivian's leaving, it was necessary that we host a farewell for her. All the senior executives will be present, as well as our major stakeholders and the board members. You will be co-hosting of course as the Deputy Director and –"

"Father, forgive me for interrupting you, but when did you decide to do this? I didn't read any memos about this – or her resignation. I should have been notified earlier as per –", now its Uther's turn to cut him off.

"Arthur, I am the CEO, I do not need to run anything by you unless it requires your signature, and Vivian is a family friend so of course, I wanted to do this myself. Why are you being so skittish? Or dressed like you're going to a local pub? I thought you would come straight from the office."

Arthur mentally groans in frustration, "Actually, I already made plans to meet up with...Gui-uh, a friend tonight so obviously –"

"Obviously you will cancel. Arthur, you just gave me a flowery speech in there about continuing to maintain the successes of Pendragon Industries for the entire world to see. This is part of it – this is your duty my boy, if you cannot make sacrifices for the company - which includes maintaining your reputation and putting it first over some…outing with friends, then you are clearly not ready for the reins. So which is it?" Uther is impatient and now tapping his foot as he watches caterers and guests moving around outside.

Arthur exhales the breath he has been holding and sighing, he follows his father out towards the party area. Uther offers Arthur a brief smile of satisfaction as both Pendragons go into the gardens to greet their guests for Vivian's farewell party.

"Hey! Don't tell me, Merlin locked your keys in the car again and you're on your way to call AAA for assistance and you'll be an hour late?" Gwen jokes as she answers her mobile, attempting to do up the Pendragon red scarf Arthur gave her at the same time. She is almost ready.

Arthur smiles faintly into the phone, "No, actually, something came up and I have to host a work reception tonight. I'm…I'm really sorry Guinevere. I didn't know this was happening, but my father is hosting a farewell for Vivian and, well it's a company do so yeah…" his voice trails off when he realizes there is complete silence on the other end.

"Vivian? As in Vivian Vivian? She's leaving PI? Since when?" Guinevere's clearly surprised and interested in that bit of news, but thankfully, doesn't sound annoyed.

"Since Tuesday when she handed in her resignation. Yeah, so – anyway, I'm gonna be late. I tried to get out of staying long, but I just found out I have to give a speech and that's not for a while yet, there's some sort of show as well. I'm so sorry Guinevere, I had no idea and now I know we've made plans tonight but –"

"Hey, it's ok, this is work. You are the Boss man, your presence is warranted". [She laughs and it sounds wonderful to Arthur] "It's ok, really. I'll just play chaperone for M&M – El's working late shift again tonight so yeah, no worries. Hey, what time do you think you'll be done? Maybe you can just meet us later then?"

"Really? I am really sorry Gwen, seriously I am. I'd love to catch up with you later. I'll call you ok?"

"You do that, and stop saying sorry. I get it, I do. Take care of yourself Pendragon – and try not to annoy your dad too much Arthur…" she finishes with a giggle, to which Arthur snorts in response.

"I won't. Thanks for being so understanding about this. See you later? Bye."

Arthur's POV

I can almost picture Gwen twirling a stray curl around her index finger as she talks on the phone. By now I've lost count of the number of times I've watched her do this (and countless other mannerisms) when I'm around…I hope that doesn't mean I'm some kind of pervert or 'an obsessed idiot'…That's what Merlin and Gwaine called me when I said her hair isn't black – its dark brown with reddish tints….Okay, I suppose that sounded a bit like I knew too much details, considering I am a guy and guys are only meant to identify normal block colours…Whatever. I hate cancelling on her. I can't believe Father and all his…Crap!Crap! Crap! The irony is, in the past, when I have been with women who I didn't really care for, I never had problem with lying to get out of meeting up with them and often used the "work function, sorry can't get out of it, can we do a rain check? " line, and yet, here I am, finally going out with Guinevere and there really is a work function. LOL...What's so funny? Oh nothing…Sorry, my bad that was out loud again. Thank you for your assistance sub conscious. Hey, don't take your frustrations with Uther out on me. Sorry.

Hanging up, and putting a fake smile on his face, he returns to where Uther, Vivian's parents and Vivian are sitting at a table chatting about their upcoming trip to the French Open. Vivian looks up at him and smiles amiably, patting the seat next to her. He sits down and she orders them a round of drinks. When they arrive, she nudges him and points to his glass.

"You look like you could use it". Arthur picks up his glass and clinks it with hers and they both drink.

Three hours have passed and everyone has gone, including Uther who left for a late dinner with Vivian's parents. Arthur and Vivian sit at the pool bar laughing and swapping stories with the aid of their bottle of Jack Daniels. Arthur is pleasantly drunk and for the first time in his life, actually sincerely enjoying Vivian's company. Finally, Vivian stands up and swaying slightly, declares it is time to go home and she moves towards the entrance to look for her father's chauffeur.

Arthur follows her, and he manages to find his phone and notices two missed calls from Merlin and one from Gwen. He calls Gwen's mobile which she doesn't answer and he doesn't want to leave her a drunken voice message so he hangs up, mentally promising to call her once he's back in town.

"Come on then Arthur. I'll drop you off", Vivian calls out to him from the limo door.

They make their way to the limo, where Vivian is already pulling out mini bottles for the ride home.

Gwen, Merlin and Morgana decided to watch a movie and have a drink and pizza at their local cafe. Merlin sips his beer and relaxes in their booth, listening to Gwen and Morgana discussing how Denzel is still in his prime, notwithstanding the fact he is now in his mid fifties, and that having him and Ryan Reynolds "that hottie!" Morgana had squealed in a total fan girl circa age 14 fashion, in a film, and that no matter how thin the plot was, certainly helped. He rolls his eyes and looking at the pub clock, wishes that Arthur would hurry up and get here. There is too much 'girl talk' for his liking, not that he understands half of what they're saying anyway.

Arthur had rung him earlier to tell him about the farewell party for Vivian at Uther's house and Merlin had been surprised because like Arthur, he hadn't known Vivian had resigned. He wasn't surprised the old Dragon would have staged a party at his house at the last minute though; in that sort of twisted- last chance-matchmaking-fiasco that only upper class society would engage in.

Merlin shakes his head and wonders, not for the first time if Arthur is truly ready to be his own man, and how long he is going to let Pendragon Snr call the shots on his life choices. He'd already told Arthur he wouldn't be joining him there that evening on account of plans he'd already made with Morgana. Arthur had tried his best 'strong arm' tactic and had reminded Merlin that he had his files in his car, but Merlin had calmly told him that he would drop them off later with him on his way back from the movies.

Thinking about all of this, and how stressed out Arthur sounded, which from experience Merlin knew that meant he and his father had had another "father son talk", he tries Arthur's phone again and surprisingly, this time he answers it.

"'ello Merls! How are you?" Arthur bellows into the phone, causing Merlin to move it away from his ear by half an inch.

"Uh…Are you drunk? Where are you mate?" He asks, hoping Arthur will just say he's already at home.

No luck.

"Yes...Yes I am Merlin! You are so bright. I am pissed...only a bit though...Just having some drinks in the car, and coming back to town. Tell us where you are and I'll come by," he says, clearly in a better mood than earlier when he rang to tell Merlin about the function and Merlin had gleefully told him that he was on his own tonight.

"No, it's ok. I think you should just go home...Wait, who's 'us'?"

"Vivian and I. That's right. I have been drinking with Vivian and no, we didn't poison each other's drinks". [Laughter ensues in the background], "She's gonna drop me off. You think I should just go home? What about Guinevere?" Merlin is now trying not to feel guilty because he had refused to meet Arthur at the party and now Arthur was in a car somewhere with Vivian, drunk.

"Yes you should. Sleep, get some rest, and uh, sober up. Gwen's fine, just call her tomorrow. We're just finishing off our pizza and then we're off home anyway. What's that? You sure? Ok, ok, we'll drop them off…Yeah no worries, you're on the way. K, see you then."

Merlin shakes his head trying not to think about how potentially dangerous it could be for Arthur, being around Vivian (who as Arthur told him "is not bad after all" although Merlin and the others will take that with a grain of salt, given their stormy past), given that its...well Vivian. He tries to shove these thoughts out of his head and concentrate on what Gwen is talking about instead. Why anyone would ever try to keep a super smart and of course now rogue spy who used to do this for a living in an atypical safe house to start with is beyond Hollywood ridiculous as far as he is concerned, but as it was 'girls movie choice' he doesn't say a word and just enjoys the pizza and beer.

"This is me", Arthur waves his hand wearily, indicating his building as the car pulls to a stop. Vivian giggles and opens the door for him so he can get out.

"I know silly. We used to live here – together, remember?" There is a brief silence as Arthur becomes aware of the wind picking up, the cold, and the fact that he suddenly doesn't feel so drunk, just tired, and as he always does after a tense discussion with his father, drained and frustrated.

Vivian stumbles as she climbs out of the limo and instinctively, even though he's had a fair bit, Arthur reaches out to steady her as she collapses against him. He holds onto her as she balances herself and giggling, she suddenly hugs him tightly. Arthur suddenly feels uncomfortable when she does this, especially when he hears (and feels) her begin to sob silently into his chest. He tightens his grip around her and stands still, not sure what to do. He waits for her to calm down and just pats her back awkwardly.

"Vivian?...What is it?" he asks gently.

Moving back from him slightly, she sniffs and looks up at him, mascara smudged, and wet eyed.

"It's just that…This was…You and I, tonight. Having a good time together…I wish…I wish this was how it could have been all those years ago. Just two people enjoying each other's company. I know it was wrong of me to accept the offer to come back to PI just because of you, so I have to leave, and it's for the best actually. I do want to start over somewhere else. You know...you're not your father Arthur and you don't have to be, you know that right?" Arthur smiles faintly and nods, ready to guide her back to her car, but Vivian doesn't move.

"I had fun…and well...you know, you are a hard person to get over Arthur Pendragon…There was a tiny bit of me that thought I might have still had a chance tonight…and…sorry, I know, I'm an idiot", she makes to move away from him, and Arthur grabs her arm, making her look up at him.

"Vivian, you're not an idiot. You're…human. I had a great time tonight too, after all the stuff with my father earlier…I just…I didn't feel like going home, or being around other people so yeah…thanks for this...but like I said that day–"Arthur never gets to complete his sentence because Vivian is pulling him towards her and kissing him, and in his drunken, and depressed state he lets her.

Arthur's POV

What the hell are you doing? Thank goodness you came to your (sort of but still inebriated) senses and pulled her off you. You blo-

It lasts a few seconds, but it is enough. He pulls back and away, ready to set the record straight with her – again, just as -

"Arthur?"

He hears his name being called from somewhere on the street, in the darkness and cold. He knows whose voice it is. He would know it anywhere. It's the voice he can never seem to get out of his head, and the voice he never wants to get out of his head.

Moving away from Vivian, who is now red with embarrassment and leaning against the limo, he turns towards the direction of the voice. Parked near a street light not ten meters from the limo, is Merlin's car. Merlin is staring at him with his mouth opening and closing and no words coming out, Morgana has an angry expression on her face and arms crossed, and standing in front of them, hands clutching tightly onto his work files – those damn files he'd asked Merlin in his drunken state to bring by on the way home from the movies, forgetting that she could, would be….there she is, crazy curls lifting in the cold wind of the night, wearing a red PI scarf that he gave her before their final rugby match, watching him, but not really.

Gwen's POV

What is he doing?

Arthur's POV

What have I done?

AN: Okaaay, so...no one brand or maim me just yet - there is kinda method to my (sorta) madness. Anyhoo, thanks for sticking around and reading. Please drop us a review and let me know what you thought of this one if you get the chance. Up next Chapter 23, I promise the wait won't be so long :)