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 farewells, emails, relatives and ephiphanies had late in the night...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. Also, the 'j' symbols that show up in the texts and emails are actually the smiley face signs. Sorry, dunno if all of them showed up here so hope its not too confusing. Hope you enjoy the next bit! :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin of course...

Chapter 26: The One With Connections

"Morgs, for goodness sake, hurry up!" Gwen shouts in a half panic, conscious that she is running late and they've only just arrived at the airport. Thanks to Morgana's suggestion that they have a girl's sleep over – a grown up one albeit, complete with a bottle of wine, and ice cream, they had (sort of) overslept.

Scanning the screens overhead for the correct check-in counter, Gwen makes her way hurriedly, leaving Elyan and Morgana to stumble along after her to the Air India counter.

Morgana groans, half asleep as Elyan chortles affectionately and linking his arm with her, guides her over to where Gwen is now checking in.

"Ok ma'am, you're all set. Here is your boarding pass and ticket. Thank you for choosing to fly with Air India". The service desk person smiles as she hands back Gwen's documents.

Gwen smiles her thanks and turns back to her brother and a grumpy Morgana who is trying to be civil (by remaining quiet) due to her currently no-caffeine- in-her- system status.

After Morgana feels sufficiently revived she puts her arm on Gwen's, noticing she is starting to do that last minute panic thing.

"So…At the risk of sounding like someone's mum when they're dropping their kid off at school, did you remember everything?"

Gwen smiles and nods, patting her carry on bag. Elyan gets up to go and get their breakfast order, and Morgana brightens up as she answers her ringing mobile.

"Merlin? Oh…really? That's a shame…Really?" Gwen sips her tea and catches the disappointment in her voice. Trying not to seem like she's listening in to Morgana's conversation, she leaves through the program documentation for the fiftieth time.

Gwen's POV

This is it. You're going. Yay! In about nine hours you'll be in Delhi then off to Jaipur…Three months teaching and living in India…I hope Elyan will be ok…Of course he'll be ok. He's fine. Morgana is still nattering on the line with Merlin. Wonder what's happened…I am guessing he and Arthur are still in Brighton…Sighing…Okay, I am trying not to be disappointed – too much. Sure sure…Okay, I am, a little…I wanted to see Arthur – who am I kidding? But I get that their company has to do all that damage control what with the Brighton offices and I knew that. It's just that…it would've been nice to see him, just once…Or at least talk to him…God! I will miss him so much…I wish I could tell him that…-

"Gwen! Merlin wants to talk to you! Here!" Morgana is nudging her gently with her phone to take it from her.

Gwen grabs it to talk as Elyan returns with their trays.

"Merlin? Hey…How are you? Yes…as ready as I could be…No…Delhi, then by road – I think they're sending a van or something. It's ok Merlin! I know that…Yes, I know that you and I spent a lot of time Googleing and Wikipediaing everything on India-I know! Yes, I got it. Merlin…You are worrying worse than Morgana and you know what she's like!-"

"Ow!" No, I am ok…just sore. Your violent girlfriend just whacked my arm for my comment. Ha ha ha…I should so tell her that you said that right now but I won't! Seriously! I don't want another whack. Yeah, I gathered…too bad, but hey, it's all good. I don't have roaming as you well know – costs an arm and a leg, but will definitely get a sim when I am over there. Sure, I will email you guys and let you know. I promise. I know…Please take care of them- and try to be nice to Arthur. Merlin Emrys you can! I know you can. Don't give me that crap. Ha ha ha…He was? Oh…No, I am fine…I am! I will. You know that. Please…Just tell him to be safe, and that I'll email as soon as I'm settled. Its fine Merlin, I get it. Okay, well you be good. Will email once I am in the city. Love you too. Bye!"

Finally hanging up, Gwen gives the phone back to Morgana smiling.

"So, I heard Arthur has been in meetings around the clock since they went to Brighton the other day. Sorry he can't be here to say bye Gwennie", Morgana says quietly.

Gwen shrugs good naturedly, "Comes with the territory. I know he would if he could. Anyways, don't make a big deal about it Morgs. There will be time enough to…What?" She looks at her friend who is wriggling around in her seat like she has ants in her pants.

"Yay! I am sooo happy for you! Arthur and Gwen! Hah! And you doubted M&M's plan?" she bursts out in glee doing a happy dance in her chair. Elyan cracks up laughing behind his bagel. When Gwen frowns at him, he shrugs innocently and goes back to reading the paper, pretending he's not secretly agreeing with Morgana.

"Okay okay…So maybe you two were on to something", Gwen begins slowly not wanting Morgana to continue gloating (too much). She is about to make a smart comment on the matter when her phone buzzes in her pants pocket.

Message From: A Pendragon

Message: Hey "Uhura" ;) Am still in Brightn w Merlin so its DOUBLE unfun 4 me (don't roll ur eyes my comment:)). So sorry I didn't make it :( B safe and take care. Pls email wen u get in so we know ur ok. Can I get a rain check on that 1st date pls? :)

Gwen smiles and quickly sends a reply before switching her phone off. Elyan makes a heart sign and Gwen sticks her tongue out at him giggling just as her flight is announced.

All too soon, she is waving at Elyan and Morgana across the immigration line and on her way to her plane bound for India.

Arthur Pendragon is past tired. He hasn't slept properly for three nights in a row now and he knows that until they have done all they can to reassure the investors and world business community, there is not much time for rest. He glances at the preliminary reports that have come in regarding Brighton and sighing, he pushes his chair away from the board room table.

Suddenly his phone pings, so he picks it up to check the message.

Message From: Crazy Curls

Yes, he had entered her ID into his phone as that – in a moment of craziness, the day after they had danced at Elyan's party…The memory of holding her in his arms was something that has stayed with him for a long time after he'd gone home, as he lay in bed, trying to sleep and not imagine how much he had wanted to feel her lips on his, how she felt in his arms. Since then, he had this fleeting five milliseconds of fear every time he'd asked Merlin to answer his phone or send a message that he would find it, share that tidbit with the boys and he'd never hear the end of it, but until then, Arthur had decided to leave it on his phone that way.

Message: Hey "Capt'n". I'm sorry you missed me too ;) We alrdy had a '1st d8'…The dinner, crumble, ST09? :) Stay safe. BE nice to Mrln. I will email wen I'm there. xox G

Arthur reads her response and smiles to himself, shaking his head, wishing once more he could have seen her today, held her close, kissed her…Yet here he is, sitting in the conference room in a city two hundred miles away from her and she is getting on a plane for another country. No more Guinevere for three months. The depressing thought and beginning of an ache make their way into his mind as he allows himself a few moments to think about her.

Arthur's POV

Her dark chocolate coloured curls…The first thing I noticed about her, standing on the street in the downpour, angry brown eyes and that hair…Always that hair –every time after that, when she was angry, happy, sad, confused…Okay, stop it Arthur. You sound like a sad sap. I hate that I missed seeing her off, but I have to be here. This is my work...My duty…Yes, yes, that's right. But you have a life to live too. If you want Guinevere to be a part of that you have to meet her halfway sometimes…Not that Father is making it easy…God, what was all that in his office yesterday? He didn't deny that he had had words with Guinevere. Or that he didn't want me to be with her. Basically Arthur, he is telling you that if you keep seeing her, he will never let you run the company…I can't believe he could threaten me with that – all I have ever wanted to do was work for PI – with him, learn the ropes, try and do my best and then…Quit dwelling on it old boy, you just keep out of his way for now and do the best you can.

He snaps out of his dream world when Merlin walks back into the room, carrying a fresh pot of coffee and grinning cheekily at Arthur.

"Moping around like a sad Susan already eh? She's just left…" he teases his friend as he pours him a fresh cup. Arthur scowls at him, and then shrugs, trying to be indifferent but Merlin can see right through it. Merlin knows that Arthur is not a talk-about-his-feelings-type of guy so he makes an effort to be extra patient with him.

"It's ok to say you miss her Arthur…If it's any consolation, she sounded sad too that you couldn't be there to see her off this morning", Arthur looks up at him, and Merlin nods emphatically.

"She did…But she knows you're working and you need to be here…Plus, three months is not that long, is it?" Arthur nods, swallowing the hot coffee, suddenly uncomfortable with all the Gwen and relationship talk that Merlin is clearly trying to get him to delve into.

"Yeah, it's not but…You know, I got used to having her around…She is off doing what she wants, living her life, and I am happy for her – that's how it's supposed to be. My life is…Well…", he gestures to the table filled with documentation and take away containers, "This is my life…I don't know…Maybe…maybe she wouldn't want to be part of it…I don't know…Does that make any sense?" he stops stammering and looks over to Merlin who nurses his cup with a thoughtful look on his face.

"Arthur, maybe you and I aren't talking about the same thing. I meant that with Gwen gone for a while – not forever, it won't kill you to acknowledge how you feel about her and that you want to have a relationship with her when she gets back – its only me so-"

Arthur cuts him off impatiently, "No, I mean, what good is it having feelings for her if I can never act on them? I mean, properly…The way it's supposed to be. Where in a perfect world we could be free to be together, to marry and –"

Merlin sits straighter and incredulously cuts right in, "Wait…What? You want to marry Gwen?"

Arthur sighs exasperated again, and sinks back in his chair, "No! Yes! I mean, I don't know…Crap! I sound like a crazy person right now don't I?" He asks quieter this time, embarrassed by the whole discussion.

Merlin pretends to consider this, "Nooo….Yessss...A little bit…Wait. What are you talking about? Didn't we just discuss over two days ago that you guys were kind of together and okay with everything? Now you're talking about marriage, and future plans…What brought that on?" Merlin watches him intently, knowing that Arthur is very uncomfortable with the close questioning.

Arthur shakes his head, trying not to replay the conversation with his father in his head – again.

"No, it's just…work and all that getting to me. I think, maybe, I am just thinking things over too much. Something Father said and…" his voice trails off as he switches his laptop back on.

Merlin frowns and leans forward.

"Arthur…With all due respect-", Arthur looks up and sharply cuts him off.

"Merlin stop right there-"

"Just hear me out. You are not Uther Pendragon Arthur. You don't have to be him to successfully run this company one day".

Arthur pauses as the computer loads up and looks at his oldest friend.

"I know…But-"

"So live your life. When you think of Gwen what do you see?"

Arthur goes red, and unconsciously lowers his voice, "I see myself getting to know her better, trying not to stuff up a relationship for the first time in my life". He frowns at Merlin who is trying not to grin audaciously at him again.

He settles for a playful punch on Arthur's arm, thankful that he is sitting far enough to not punch him back as he has done in the past.

"Then you should find a way to tell her that –even if she's not here physically".

At that moment, other PI staff enter the room, so Arthur is relieved to end the touchy feely chat and turns to the new interim CEO of the Brighton company.

"Ok, now that we're all back, Hugh can you run us through the forecasted savings?"

For the rest of the day, Arthur stays focused on his work, but cannot seem to get Merlin's or his father's words out of his head.

From: gwenleodegrance

To: morganalefay; merline; leonsbistsro; arthurp; gawains; percivalc; lancelotd; elyanl; pleodegrance

Date: 9 March 2012 18:57

Subject: I made it!

Namaste Gang! It is a beautiful evening here in Jaipur, and I am emailing from a little internet café near the lovely Ram Niwas Gardens – a beautiful park in the centre of the city (Morgs, you'd love the architecture in the city!). Okay, so this email is two days later than I promised and I am so sorry! It was a whirlwind of activity after I got into Delhi. I met a fellow internee Sarah, from Wales, who is really nice, and we entered the chaotic world of India! It was all good though; we met our driver and set off for Jaipur, some five hours away by road. It's so lovely here! I am going to send pictures of course, but yeah…You kind of have to see it to believe it. The children at the school I am teaching at are lovely - shy and quiet, but very eager to learn and we all had a great time singing and acting out "Hokey Tokey" this morning! I am staying with the principal and his family in their house and it's about five minutes from the school. Tomorrow, his wife Mira is teaching me to make a traditional dish called Missi Roti – but don't get any ideas Elyan, I will teach you to make them too so you can make them yourself when I get back! :) This morning I woke up and heard the monkeys going crazy over something outside– yes Merlin, there are many different species of monkeys here – I can just picture Gwaine and Percy making a smart comment about how you'd fit in well here :)

I have to leave now, it's getting dark and my fellow teacher Sonal has invited me to have a meal with her family at their house tonight so I am very excited about that.

I miss you guys - there's so much to see and do here and I wish you were all here with me. I know the time will fly by soon.

Love,

Gwen

Arthur grins as he sits at the small table with his laptop; he clicks on the second email in his inbox, which makes him smile even more.

From: gwen leodegrance

To: arthurp;

Date: 9 March 2012 18:57

Subject: I accept…

Rain check on our 'date' accepted. See you on the 16th of October 2012 (give or take some jet lag)? Crumble optional…

p.s. Eat something other than two minute noodles please. But don't get Merlin to cook for the two of you…Remember the trip to the ER at St. Catherine's last time? :)

p.p.s Wish you were here, you'd love it

xoxox Gwen

Putting down his two minute noodles, Arthur reads the email again, and smiling to himself, he is ready to hit the 'reply' tab when his phone rings. He looks down at the caller id and frowns, taking a deep breath, before answering.

"Hello Father," he states, holding the phone to his cheek as he picks up his chopsticks and noodles box, ready to eat again, and moves away from the table to sit on his Brighton hotel room sofa.

"Arthur. How are things going? I watched the press conference yesterday and the one this morning and…It was concise and suffice, given our current situation". Arthur tries not to choke on a noodle. Was that actually the beginnings of a compliment coming from Uther?

"Uh…Right, thank you Father", he answers, clearly surprised.

Uther pauses, then speaks again, "Arthur…I know the last time we spoke, it was…well we exchanged some words that were quite harsh but...you must understand where I was coming from…" Uther lets his voice trail off, as if he is unsure of himself. Something he never really is.

Arthur sighs and puts down his noodles, "Father…I understand why you said what you said. I hope you understand where I was coming from too".

Silence.

"Father?" Arthur ventures.

"Arthur…You know my position on the matter we discussed will not change. If I sometimes come across as being…somewhat heavy handed with you, you must know that it's only because I only want…I am only looking out for your best interests and the best interests of this company. If I say things that may seem strong, you must appreciate that my intentions are…should not be considered negative".

Arthur takes a deep breath and nods into the phone, "Yes Father. We might not always agree, but I know you believe that you have my best intentions at heart. I just think that we can't always be of the same view on things and like I said; my private life is-"

"Yes, yes you've said…And Arthur, I meant what I said also. You…you may not always hear it from me, but Arthur, you are doing a good job at PI…Your…your mother would've been so proud…" Arthur pauses as he hears his father's voice catch when he talks about his mother. Frowning he sits up and holds the phone closer to his ear.

"Father? Is everything ok? With you I mean?" Arthur can't help thinking that something is a bit off with the whole conversation.

Another moment goes by before Uther is back in full Uther mode.

"Oh yes, of course, don't concern yourself Arthur, there is nothing wrong with me. I am just waiting for my final appointment before I call it a day. I just wanted to check on you over there and make sure you are doing what you're supposed to be doing. Right, I will say goodbye then. Good night."

"Good night Father", Arthur concedes quietly as his father ends the call. He stares off into space for a moment before reaching for his noodles again, wondering whether everything with his father is really fine before he shoves those thoughts out of his head and moves back to his computer to re-read Gwen's email to him.

"p.p.s: Wish you were here – you'd love it…" she had said…

Arthur sighs and feels an all too familiar pull as he realises that he absolutely, terrifyingly, knows that he misses Gwen more than anything else in the world and wants to see her so much, even if it's just for a minute.

Arthur's POV

Okay, I just had another epiphany! Oh crap! What was that? Er..nothing! Talking to ourself out loud again. What was your flash of inspiration this time? Too much ramen for a lifetime is clogging your stomach lining? No! Guinevere…Drat! Where is Merlin?

He quickly dials Merlin's number, rousing him from a deep sleep.

"Huh? Whaaa? Arthur?"

"Sorry, where you asleep?"

"No, I regularly sound like this at 11 pm after I've been up for almost three days straight. What do you want? You'd better be dying, or hanging off a cliff…"

"Merlin shut up! I need your help with something. I need to book a ticket – for the weekend, well two tickets actually since I need to get to–"

"Arthur! Blooming hell! Call your PA – I am your legal advisor! LEGAL advisor…You know what that means? I advise on…legal…stuff! So get whatshername to–"

"Please Merlin! I have another auditor's meeting tomorrow at half 8, and you don't have to be there with those files 'til our briefing at 10. Plus, I don't want the PI gossip mill to know about it – me taking off and , well I figured the weekend would be as good a time to leave, as we'll have finished all the preliminary reports for Brighton and I think I could get off–"

"Riiight…Um Arthur? This little bonding convo we're having during my precious shut eye time is truly heartwarming but can I just cut you short and say YES, I'll get your bloody tickets to wherever it is you're planning on going – somewhere so classified this couldn't wait until oh I don't know, eight am tomorrow! No wait, don't tell me; you're the third accomplice in our Brighton financial swindle and you're flying down to Turks and Caicos to meet the ex CEO and Financial Director over rum and colas on Saturday?"

"Merlin honestly, you have a more active imagination than the person who wrote all those Twilight books!"

"Hey! Don't knock Stephanie Meyers – Team Jacob all the way!"

"I have no idea what you are on about, but can you please just purchase the tickets for me? Please?"

"Ok, ok…Fine. I will. If you promise to hang up after I agree so I can go back to sleep. Where are you going Double 007?"

"Um…India…"

"Whaaat? Seriously? Wow Ar-"

"Thank you! Good night Merlin!"

"Arthur wait that's hug-"

Click goes Arthur's phone as he hangs up.

Smart arse, Merlin thinks, taking the easy way out by following my instructions to the letter.

Merlin sits up in his bed, now fully wide awake and after muttering a swear word at his friend for the interruption, he settles back under the covers, grinning maniacally at Arthur's response.

Uther replaces the phone in his pocket and glances back down at the hospital results that his physician had just spent the last half an hour going over with him, sitting in a plain white A4 envelope on his desk. He cannot spend time thinking about what has come about now, he is already thinking of the company, and the future.

Glancing at his Rolex he sighs with impatience, and fights away the gnawing niggles at the back of his mind that perhaps he should've been more honest with his son. Then, all thoughts of this are gone when his door opens and Mathieu leads his visitor in.

Uther moves towards him, and gives his hand a brief shake as he gestures towards one of the chairs. As the man sits down opposite him, the elder Pendragon takes his time to study him.

"Thank you for coming. I know I didn't say much on the phone, I didn't want to talk about such matters where people could overhear us, and I knew that you would be coming in to give support to Gaius on the Brighton matter, what with Arthur and that fool Merlin being offsite so, it is good of you to make time to see me".

The visitor nods slowly, and smirking in that manner that always had Uther on edge, leans forward.

"So, Uther Pendragon finally needs my help…What can I do for you brother in law?"

Uther tries not to inwardly wince at the way Agravaine De Bois never fails to let him know that after all these years, he still barely conceals his hatred towards Uther for his sister's untimely death.

Choosing to ignore the tone, Uther forges ahead, "The reason I asked you to come today is because I know that you are in the process of merging with another city firm. I have to…leave for a while, take some personal time and-"

Du Bois interrupts him swiftly.

"Really? Where are you going? This wouldn't have anything to do with a certain oncologist two cities away would it Uther?"

Uther glares coldly at his brother in law, trying not to let his mouth gape in surprise.

"How the hell do you know about-"

"Oh Uther, I know a lot more than you think. I also know that young Arthur is trying to fill some pretty big shoes here at PI and it's an uphill battle for him. Despite our differences and past relationship, I also agree with you that he is a bit of a rebel and needs further…guidance, for want of a better word. We rarely see each other, and although I hold a large percentage of shares in this company (on behalf of our family), we don't…socialize much. What I do not know is…what all of this has to do with me?"

Uther stares at Agravaine Du Bois, trying not to show surprise that the wily fox already knows how things are between him and his son and gives up, going for the compromise route instead.

"Yes, well, frankly, Agravaine, I am a bit worried about Arthur and his ability to run this company while I am away on personal leave. I think…he would benefit from having a family member – who is already a co-owner of this family company step in, act as an advisor to him, and my delegated head…I know as you've said, we've had our differences in the past, but we are still family, and apart from myself, you are the only family Arthur has left now. Should something…happen to me, I want to comfortable with the fact that someone I trust has been there guiding him. You know how he has made all these changes – which I and the Board have struggled with and he continues to live his life in a…different manner. I am hoping you will be here to assist me, and be my eyes and ears. So what say you?"

Agravaine leans back in his chair, hiding his sly smirk with his hands, as he pretends to think it over.

With a wide smile, he moves towards Uther, standing up to shake his hand over the table. Uther's face breaks into a relieved grin as he also rises to shake Agravaine's hand.

"Uther, your main concern now is to get better. I am honoured that you give me this vast responsibility and I wish to make it clear to you that you have my word – PI and Arthur's tutelage are safe with me. After all, as you rightly said; we are family after all".

A/N: D'uhn d'uhn d'uh! Yep, our fave Uncle is here...So yeah, some of you asked for the A&G scenario to play out this way...so yeah, but expect it typical Islandgem Arwen style ;) Seriously though, thank you so much for the ongoing comments and reviews guys, please drop us a line if you get a chance for this one. Chapter 27 up soon...