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 Skype, hot tea, toast, and a war with buttons...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, story and author favourites, and reviews - they're much appreciated. Hope you're not too heartbroken arthurgwen2010, and as others rightly mentioned, Arthur can be a poster boy for why one should not drown their sorrows in alcohol lol. Special shout out to '.' who is my 100th reviewer, and Halo for being Plot Bunny Editor of The Year. Hope you enjoy the next bit! :)

Chapter 23: The One With Movement

Moments later…

Arthur's POV

I wonder if it's possible to feel like the world has stopped turning and everything freezes like something in a Dr. Who episode? Er…that could easily just be the fact that the alcohol is still very much present in your body and messing with your senses. I don't know what to say. Or do…Crap! Well whatever you do decide to do or say – make it quick! Or else Morgana will do it for you. Guinevere…

Arthur comes to his senses (sort of) and clears his throat, as he tries to speak, but no words come out.

This is the only invitation needed for Morgana's angry outburst as she moves towards where Arthur is rooted to the pavement. Everyone unfreezes when she does this and Gwen is thankful for the disturbance as she snaps out of her uncomfortable (and unavoidable) daze.

"Oh my God! Seriously? Arthur Pendragon you really are an assh-"Gwen moves forward swiftly and shaking her head fiercely at Morgana, she pauses and then stops speaking, settling for an angry hiss and folds her arms, as she walks back indignantly to where Merlin is standing mutely.

Arthur begins, "Guinevere…I don't know what you saw but…No, I know you saw…something but – ", Morgana lets out an angry bark of a laugh from behind them.

"Yeah that something she saw was most probably Vivian's tongue down your throat! Come on Gwen, let's go!" she shouts, her green eyes blazing at Arthur, and Merlin lays a hand gently on her arm, pulling her closer to him, silently asking her to remain quiet and surprisingly, she obeys.

Arthur ignores the comment as he focuses on Gwen and moves closer to where she is standing. He reaches forward to touch her arm and she flinches, moving back, so he can't touch her. He gets the message and moves back a step. She is still holding the files that Merlin was bringing over in her arms.

Gwen's POV

Breathe Gwen. He did push her away afterwards…So what? He didn't kiss her back. Maybe…Whatever. I am so…angry? Pissed off? No…hurt…He is so full of it! I can't believe I fell for all of his…Whatever you do, do not cry right now over a drunk guy who you've just seen kissing his ex. Don't you dare. And don't talk to him here. Go home. Just leave. Before you buy into all of his…Breathe Gwen…

"Um…these are for you…It was on our way home so...yeah. We stopped over and thought we'd come up and check on you, since Merlin said you were drunk and probably a bit depressed after another discussion with your Dad but…yeah, anyway, it's okay…So I guess...Here." She stumbles over her words, not once looking up at Arthur, shoving the files into his arms and turning away. He grabs them with one arm and tries to grab her arm with the other one, but misses (as an inebriated person might do) and she doesn't stop walking.

"Gwen…Gwen. Please...Can I...Look it's not okay! Could you just let me explain what that was. It wasn't…Okay; I know what it looked like but…Please, stop walking away…Guinevere!" When he shouts her name, she finally turns around. Her face is blank and Arthur suddenly panics. He doesn't know what to say or do now that she is standing still, waiting for him to talk. The moment passes and he knows it when she speaks quieter this time.

"Arthur, you're drunk. You didn't call back –"

"I did! You didn't pick up. I wanted to see you…I told Merlin but he said to go –"

"I don't want to talk. It's late, cold, and you're barely able to stand up straight or construct proper sentences."

"Um…Okay then. Right….Can we talk later though? May I call you? Or come see you? Please? Guinevere believe me, this is not…"

He stops talking as she turns away from him and walks quickly to Merlin's car, giving him a déjà vu'd vision of her retreating back and crazy curls flying in the wind. With her hand on the door, she turns and looks at him again. He can see that her beautiful, dark brown eyes are shining and swallowing hard, she shakes her head. He feels his heart sinking at the sight of her tears as she brushes them away with her hand.

"I wouldn't want to disturb you Arthur. It looks like you haven't completed your function hosting duties yet".

The loud silence is broken by the hesitant sound of Vivian's heels as she moves closer to Arthur, who is still looking at Guinevere and doesn't even notice her until she speaks softly, her voice full of remorse.

"Arthur?...I'm…I'm so sorry…". She looks right at Guinevere when she says this, and getting no response from anyone except for Arthur who distractedly nods his head, and a killer look from Morgana; she turns quietly and goes to her waiting limo, driving off.

Gwen watches the limo drive away and then murmurs quietly, "Can we please go now Merlin?"

She gets in the back, closely followed by Morgana who shoots another evil stare at Arthur. He watches as Morgana puts her arm around Gwen who just folds her arms and looks out the opposite window so she doesn't have to look outside. Where he is still standing.

Merlin hasn't said a word for the past five minutes, which in his mind, felt more like fifteen minutes. He kicks himself internally again, wishing he had gone to the party with Arthur, wishing he had disobeyed Arthur and not come by with the files, wishing he had not suggested they all go visit a drunk Arthur after their pizza. So many wishes and would've could've beens that don't matter much right now. He hesitates as he sees Arthur standing next to the car, looking lost. Arthur notices Merlin looking at him and Merlin shrugs, offering him a kind smile and moves towards the driver's side.

"I'd better get Gwen and Morgs home…It's late. Get some rest Arthur. I'll check in with you tomorrow yeah?" Arthur nods and runs a hand over his face, using his last bit of restraint not to try and reason with Merlin to let him talk to Gwen again. He knows it would be futile given that she has made it perfectly clear that this is not an option right now.

"Merlin?...Can you?...Uh…Please make sure she gets home safe okay?" his voice is subdued and Merlin gives him a brief nod before getting in and driving off, leaving Arthur Pendragon standing on his street corner, staring at the spot where Guinevere stood not a minute ago telling him in a roundabout way that he's screwed up royally. The problem is, this time; he doesn't even have Merlin or the others to call on for help. He is all alone. With this thought on his mind, he finally goes home.

Gwen rolls over pulling her duvet cover over her head and shutting her eyes, wishing she was already in India. She turns on her side, and then lies on her back, and concentrates on breathing and relaxing when she hears a soft knock on her door. Sighing, she burrows under the covers again, but the knocking persists and then the door opens. Lying completely still she pretends to be asleep, hoping that whoever it is will get the message and leave. Of course, this doesn't happen. Suddenly the covers are pulled back forcefully and she squints as her eyes adjust to the light. Elyan stands over her, with a mug of tea in one hand and her phone in the other hand. Gwen groans and curls up on her side away from him.

"Gwennie? Is everything okay? Elena and Merlin called earlier, and Morgs called about ten minutes ago. She said she'd be by to see you after her meeting with some new clients this afternoon. I made you some tea…It's like 12 pm and you're still in bed…Are you sure you are okay?" She just nods slowly and closes her eyes again, hoping he will get the hint this time and leave. He doesn't and sits down next to her instead.

"Gwen?.." his voice is laced with concern and Gwen fights the tears that burn her throat and shifting her body, sits up, attempting to put a smile on her face and reaches for the tea cup from his outstretched hand. She sips the burning liquid, glad that it almost scalds her throat - anything to stop the growing lump.

Gwen's POV

What am I doing? Since when do I act like this over a guy? Um…Well…Never. So…what makes him so special? Damn him! Why did he have to be so...-

"Gwen? Hey…Can I ask why everyone has been calling me to leave messages for you? I found your phone on the kitchen sink when I came back at 12…Do you need to charge it or something?", her brother is frowning at her, and Gwen forces a smile on her face again, shrugging casually as she leans back against her pillows, making more room for Elyan on her bed.

"Oh yeah…I uh, turned it off. Sorry, that must have been annoying for you with them bothering you. I just don't feel like talking to anyone today. Maybe I'm coming down with something. Thanks for the tea though. How was your shift?"

Elyan nods slowly, as if he's assessing her response, "It was good thanks. The work is challenging, fun, and I am enjoying it. I can see why you liked working at PI; they're a good group and it's a great company. I know you're off to India and when you come back you'll start teaching and all that, but you must have some great memories of PI, and your friends and of meeting up with Arthur of course", this last bit he says with a twinkle in his eyes and playfully nudges his sister's leg.

Unfortunately (for Gwen), he immediately notices the way she stiffens and her face momentarily clouds over before she sips more tea and hopes her brother can't see her eyes filling with tears. Elyan touches her leg gently and leans forward. She has managed not to cry until this point, but that was then.

"Hey…Gwennie, what it is? What's wrong?" Gwen starts to cry, tears falling as she pulls her knees up to her chin and hides her head in her arms. Elyan moves closer and reaches out to hug her as she lets herself go in his arms and continues to cry quietly. He can't remember the last time he saw Gwen this upset. She always tries to be strong and not excessively emotional so whatever it is, he knows it must be really getting to her.

After a while, she moves away from him and grabbing a tissue from the box on her bedside table, she blows her nose and wipes her eyes, offering Elyan a watery smile.

Elyan studies her for a moment before the penny drops, "What did he do? Gwen did Arthur Pendragon hurt you? I'll bloody kill that bas-", Gwen shakes her head, sniffing.

"Elyan, relax! It's not like that, well, let's just say – whatever I thought we had was...is not happening now".

Elyan doesn't look convinced so Gwen speaks quickly, "We were supposed to meet up but he had a last minute work thing, coupled with a fight with his father in between, and then he got drunk and then I saw him...with his ex – she kissed him and..he let her. He tried to explain what happened and that it wasn't like it looked and all that but…I didn't want to talk to him last night. At this point in time, I am not sure I ever want to again..." her voice trails off as she notices Elyan looking at her with a thoughtful look on his face.

"Did he kiss her back?" he asks calmly, the anger in his voice gone now. Gwen looks at him in surprise, clearly not expecting her brother to ask her something like that. She takes a moment to answer, and then shakes her head.

"No…he pushed her away afterwards, but so what? What does that have to do with anything? They were drunk. She took her chance and he let her…That doesn't mean he can just start begging me right there on the street to explain himself. I don't have to listen to the excuses and all that..."

Elyan is looking pointedly at her now and she frowns slightly then laughs and shrugs, "I know, it's totally like a One Tree Hill episode or something, but yeah…so anyway, can we not…talk about him…Or speak of drawing and quartering him either? Just…leave it. Please?"

Elyan sighs and pats his sister's arm, cocking his head to one side.

"Gwennie…You know…when Mum passed and I started getting into trouble and Dad and I weren't getting along, you were really the glue that kept our family together. When I was out on patrol, sitting there in the dark, waiting, and not knowing what might happen in the next five minutes, I would think of you. I told myself that one day if, when I got out; I would try to make it up to you. For all those times when you were the only one here, taking on the world alone – even after Dad died. I dunno, maybe its part of God's plan to bring us back together here and that our lives would turn out okay. That despite whatever shit we've gone through, we've still got each other. I don't know Arthur as well as you – heck I don't know much about civilian life after being in the army for so long, and you know my track record with women", he says jokingly, as she murmurs "player" under her breath, rolling her eyes at him. Elyan grins impishly and then resumes his speech.

"Gwen, out there, in a war zone, you meet a lot of good and a whole lot of the bad guys and what they are capable of doing to people. I think…Arthur Pendragon is one of the good guys. Sure he's loaded, possibly 'in bred twice removed' (if you listen to what Gwaine and Merlin say when they're on the sauce anyways), has probably never had to wash a dish in his life, and half the city's buildings and parks share the same surname as him, but I can tell you this; I don't doubt that his heart is in the right place. So he has Daddy issues – who doesn't? He has a lot of things on his plate too; running a Fortune 500 company, being in the public all the time, and dealing with the dragon of a father are just three of them. But right now, I reckon the thing that makes him crazy and kept him up all of last night is how he feels about you". Gwen turns to look up at her brother when he says this, the astonishment in her eyes evident and she shakes her head vehemently.

"Okay, he got wasted because he was angry with his Dad and chose to deal with it by doing something stupid like hanging out with an ex and copious amounts of liquor. Bloody hell, everyone in the world except this eejit knows you don't mix alcohol and exes! So they kissed – sounds to me like it was a moment of craziness on his part. No, don't give me that look, I am NOT condoning what he did, it was wrong and he definitely should be in the dog box for that. But, like I said the first day I got here and saw how he is around you and every other time I've seen you two together after that. I bet you my signed Thierry Henry jersey that he is kicking himself over what happened and he's desperate to tell you that. Don't leave without figuring out where you stand with him. 'Cos good or bad the outcome, running away has never been your style Gwen and you know deep down inside you will never move on proper if you don't".

There is a long silence as she processes what could be the first 'big brother speech' Elyan's ever given her. She looks at him with a kind of new found admiration and reaches out to hug him tightly.

"Who knew you could be so…wise Elyan Matthew Leodegrance." She says, smiling with tears in her eyes again. Goodness, she was turning into a right sap these days.

Elyan laughs and hugs her back.

"And don't you forget it. Now, have a shower and eat something. Get some fresh air. Talk to Arthur."

She nods at him as he stands up, putting her phone in her hand. When she turns it on, she sees four missed calls from Morgana, three from Merlin and Elena, one from Gwaine, a text from Percival, and thirty calls from one A. Pendragon. Sighing, she moves towards the bathroom. She has avoided the world long enough.

"You sure you don't want something else to eat? I could uh…make you some eggs or…something?" Merlin eyes Arthur critically and knows that he doesn't have to be a detective to deduce that his friend slept badly, in the same clothes from last night, on the couch and he looks like crap.

Arthur guffaws and shakes his head, before giving Merlin a fixed stare.

"Uh...I think the whole point of this exercise is for me to feel better in spite of my hangover, and you attempting to cook me something would probably send me straight to the Emergency Room at St. Catherine's. Thank you but no. Water and this dry toast is fine. Help yourself to something though".

Merlin makes a face at Arthur when he turns his back, checking his mobile for the umpteenth time, but there is no response from Guinevere. He attempts to leave another message but her voice mail is full. Of his previous messages.

At least he is more like himself today; making jokes at my expense and not still drunk, thank goodness, Merlin muses as he stirs his coffee. He has already spoken to Percy, Gwaine and Leon to check if they're free for a video chat, seeing as anything he says to Arthur now, he probably won't listen to so he's called for reinforcements.

Merlin connects up and soon he and Arthur are looking at their friends on the computer screen. Gwaine looks like he is still recovering from a heavy night and nods grumpily at them as Percival also waves, holding a cup of coffee in one hand. On his screen, Leon looks jumpy, as if he is doing something he is not supposed to be.

"Hey Lads," Merlin greets them all, as Arthur looks at him in surprise.

"Uh…What's going on? Not that I am not happy to chat with you guys but…I really want to go see Gu-", Arthur begins.

"Yeah, yeah, we heard the back story from Merlin and...well, frankly Princess…You brought this all on yourself really. Take it from one who knows women and liquor," he ignores them as they all snort at that comment, "One should never combine ex girlfriends and good whiskey", Gwaine interrupts him, not so politely, smirking evilly while Percival nods his head solemnly and Leon shrugs, looking around him once more.

"I know, but…well…Uh Leon, what's with you? Are you hiding?...Wait…Where is Elena?" Merlin has to ask, seeing as they've all noticed him behaving like a guy in a police lineup.

"Shh! I am at bistro. We have a function here today at lunch so…Look, Arthur I feel for you – and all that, but I can't stay long. Elena…Well, she's not exactly on your side on this issue so…I would rather not –", Leon's hurried whispering is cut off by Gwaine, Merlin and Percival's laughter.

"Oh yeah, we get it, you don't want to be banished to sleeping on the couch for the next two weeks again. Ha ha ha". This is hardly a war…Not like in War of the Buttons…Do you remember that one Merlin? Now that is a classic Irish movie…", Gwaine veers off topic as he gets up to make himself some toast.

Leon scowls (quietly) at his comment about Elena and him being in disagreement over what happened.

Merlin jumps in, "Getting back to the topic at hand…It's all good Leon; no one wants you to have to take sides – I am kinda in the same boat here. You should get back to prepping for the function. I think we're all honest enough to admit that we're all really just here to take the mickey out of Arthur since he's screwed up royally with the only women he's ever lov-"

"Thanks Merlin, one can always count on you to be there when it matters with sincere words", Arthur doesn't bother hiding his sarcasm with his response and the others laugh.

"Guys, I really have to go. Arthur, seriously though, you don't need to talk to all of us about it; you already know what to do", Leon smiles sympathetically, and they all shout their goodbyes to him as he logs off.

"You do have to tell her the truth though – you know, and take whatever she says like a man", Percival adds.

" Huh?.." Arthur's head feels like it's still pounding so he doesn't really follow at this point.

Sighing, Gwaine translates whilst wolfing down a piece of toast, "He means you should not go all Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants and get all emotional if she gives it to you straight".

"Well you'd better not be yourself then eh Artie?" Merlin nudges him, and Arthur groans as he feels his head jar when Merlin does that.

"Guys…I really appreciate the…advice – the jibes, not so much but yeah thanks. It means a lot. Anyway, come on, its Saturday morning where you are, go enjoy it. Get out of here!" Arthur smiles sincerely at his friends. Gwaine grins and Percival shrugs good naturedly.

"It's all good mon ami. Take care and we'll talk later".

"Yeah, good luck mate – you might need it. Also, you really should check that movie out. Ha ha. Bye!"

They sign off and Merlin moves the laptop away to make room for his plate as he begins to eat a pastry. Arthur stares into his empty water glass for a few moments before looking up to speak again.

"Merlin…She won't answer her phone….I've called about fifty times since last night. Maybe I should just go around there? Rock up and knock on the door and demand that she talk to me or…buy her some flowers…or balloons? Does she like clowns? Okay, no that's just ridiculous Arthur…What?" he stops thinking out loud when he sees the incredulous expression on Merlin's face as he swallows the rest of his food quickly.

"That is absolutely the…worst idea you could ever have come up with Arthur. No, before you say anything, hear me out. Firstly, you can't force her to do anything…You kind of…okay, you really did mess up last night, on quite a few levels but we won't dwell on that. Right now all you can do is wait". He takes a sip of his second cup of coffee and there is a pregnant silence as Arthur taps the table impatiently waiting for him to speak again.

"Wait for what? For how long?" Arthur persists. Merlin resists the urge to roll his eyes or make a sarcastic remark seeing as he genuinely feels sorry for his friend, even if he is an idiot for stuffing things up with Gwen.

"Wait. As long as it takes for her to be ready to talk it out…You've made it clear to her that it was a mistake and that you want a chance to explain things. For now, the ball is in her court okay?" Arthur nods slowly.

Arthur's POV

I just hope it's not too late for me…For us…

Gwen and Morgana briskly walk around Pendragon Park towards the river where the punts go by. Morgana had come by to see Gwen after her meeting and was surprised to see her wearing exercise clothes, holding up some of Morgana's clothes for her to change into, declaring that she wanted to go for a power walk around the park. When they reach Gwen's favourite spot, they stop to stretch. Morgana watches her friend as she massages her arms and then sits down on the park bench to drink from her water bottle. The last thirty minutes of power walking have passed in complete silence.

"Morgs?.." she says, not even turning around.

"Mmm?"

"I know you're staring at me. You don't have to worry. I am not about to drown myself in ankle deep duck poo infested waters". Morgana laughs at her comment and comes to sit down next to her, nudging her arm. Gwen looks up at her and smiles reflectively.

Morgana can't stand the silence any longer, "So…are you gonna talk to him? Elyan says he's been calling nonstop since last night. He's a major jerk – plain and simple, and he's got a lot to explain (and grovel) for, but…"

Gwen looks over at her, "But?"

Morgana sighs and grudgingly continues, "But against my greatest desire to accidentally on purpose throw him off a bridge, I kind of, actually believe that he is sincere and really sorry about what happened…Don't ask me why – he hurt you and he'd better have a good explanation or else, but…yeah…I think what he feels for you is true…and…I know you feel the same way about him, don't you?"

Gwen doesn't say anything, but looks away, studying the reeds. Morgana puts her arm around her and then takes out her cell phone handing it to Gwen.

"Do me a favour though ok?"

"Anything".

Morgana smiles mischievously at her best friend, "Give Mr. Arrogant hell – first".

They both laugh and then Gwen calls him back.

He couldn't leave his house quickly enough when she'd called. The conversation hadn't lasted very long, less than two minutes and she wanted to meet at Pendragon Park near her favourite spot in twenty minutes. Right where he'd given her the Pendragon scarf before their final game. The same one she was wearing last night when he'd realised that he didn't want to lose her – ever.

He half runs from the car park to the spot and stops when he sees her sitting on a park bench, sitting in running clothes and playing with her hands, another Gwenism that he loves. She spots him and turns towards him. She doesn't smile. But she doesn't frown either. Maybe it was too late, but he still had to try.

"Hello Arthur", she says softly looking up at him.

"Thanks for agreeing to see me Guinevere", he replies, heart in his mouth.

They both stare at each other and then she moves over to give him room to sit down too.

She turns to him and he waits.

"So…What did happen last night? Start at the beginning please", she asks in the same quiet voice.

He takes a deep breath and looks at her as he begins to speak.

He still had one last try, maybe it wasn't too late.

AN: Thank you everyone for the constant comments and feedback on the fic. We're getting towards the finishing line soon...Anyhoo, thanks for sticking around and reading. Please drop us a review if you get the chance. Up next Gwen and Arthur slog it out in Chapter 24...