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 chaptered and rated T just in case. In this one there's planes, women's mags, bribing (no, nothing to do with cricket matches), and banyan trees (if you don't know what one is google it - they can grow to phenomenal sizes and heights), oh yeah and for those of you who are kind of interested, there's a bit of ArWen in here too...That's only if you are though... ;)
A/N: 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. Thank you Halo as usual for the assistance...Hope you all enjoy it! :)
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin, the characters or any of the other movies, music, TV shows, etc I may refer to from time to time. I wish to acknowledge the lovely Sharmini for permission granted to use her line ;) Also, please forgive any errors in my fic - I try my best to correct stuff but hey I am human so...Lastly, please forgive any errors made about any information I share about India - I mean no disrespect nor am I presuming to know more about stuff. Okay, enough ranting...
Chapter 28: The One With Plans
"So…you're all set then?"
It is one of those rhetorical questions that Merlin is annoyingly well known for but this time Arthur is grateful for his friend's efforts to make unnecessary small talk. He had slept badly last night, turning the events of the day before over and over in his mind, and giving way to the butterflies which later turned into tarantulas in his stomach over what he was about to do in an hour's time.
Nodding and trying to form a sort of smile onto his face he sets his backpack on the table and sits down with Merlin who seems to be very interested in his coffee cup all of a sudden, jiggling the spoon on the saucer in an annoying fashion, meaning he obviously wants to speak about something that he knows Arthur doesn't want to. It's extremely irritating so Arthur decides to put him out of his misery.
"Merlin…About yesterday, I-"
"You didn't want to talk about it yesterday; I get that but…Are you…? At the risk of you kicking my arse for asking, I am still going to take the risk; how are you?"
Arthur shrugs absentmindedly, staring off into the distance as he taps the table top.
"Do you think…you know, all this effort is…worth it?" Merlin is not surprised Arthur feels a bit hopeless – no one except for Agravaine knew what the CEO was going to spring on them yesterday and they were all shocked. He and Gwaine had been livid when they had group chatted later that day, but as Lancelot had rightly pointed out, there was little anyone – the directors, or even Gaius could say on the matter; the Dragon does what the Dragon wants. Period.
Merlin didn't tell Arthur or the others about his earlier chat with Gaius or about his own thoughts on Arthur's uncle. Agravaine has always been a bit of an enigma. He had his own companies and financial activities, but the Du Bois family also owned substantial interests within the PI consortium even though Agravaine himself had never actively taken part in the management of the company. It was also common knowledge in the corporate world and amongst the 'first families of Camelot' talk that there was no lost love between Uther Pendragon and his brother in law due to some past family scandal, although no one really knew what it was even though there was much speculation. Arthur's own relationship with Agravaine had always been patchy at best, so it puzzled Merlin that he would now be more than willing to take an active role in assisting Arthur.
"Arthur…You are still the Deputy Executive Officer for Pendragon Industries. The 'witty, charming, sexy and still available (of sorts) Royal Prince of the Business World'", Merlin quotes dramatically, and then pauses when he sees Arthur's withering look.
The 'Prince' quote is from a popular international women's magazine which has consistently named Arthur on their 'The Fifty Sexiest Men on the Planet' yearly poll since he was 24. Arthur hates being reminded of it, so much so that Gwaine had taken to having a special calendar made for him with the article printed on every month page. Every year.
He just hopes Gwen hasn't seen the magazine, maybe they don't get it where she is. She's never mentioned it before and anyway, she's not the sort to read stuff like that. He hopes.
Stifling a laugh at Arthur's expression, Merlin continues, "So your uncle is around for a little while...Maybe, it could also be a good thing? You're still getting the chance to forge on with other activities you've wanted to do with the company aren't you?" Merlin finally offers, still not really sure what Arthur's feeling about the issue.
Arthur nods slowly, "Well, he did come to see me last night. To reassure me that things will be business as usual. He…Well I was kind of surprised because he said he was proud of the new ideas that I've helped to introduce at PI. That was…unexpected".
Arthur sounds surprised as he recalls the conversation.
"Really? So much for being the CEO's watchdog eh?" Merlin tries not to sound too surprised when he hears this. From what he knows of Agravaine's business dealings and the corporate world rumor mill this doesn't really sound like the same person.
"Yeah I know, but it was actually quite a good chat…In the sense that we sort of came to an understanding. He also uh, mentioned my mother – briefly…" Arthur's voice trails off and he takes a drink of his now lukewarm coffee.
Merlin raises his eyebrows. Ah, that's it! Arthur's lifetime longing to know more about his mother. Could Agravaine be using Arthur's emotions to tow him in line for his father? It sounds kind of sneaky, sort of like one of those used car salesmen who 'read' potential customers when they come into the yard and spin a yarn to get them to buy lemons…No, Merlin, stop it! He admonishes himself. How can you even think that about his uncle? He is probably just trying to reach common ground because he knows he has to act as a medium between the two Pendragons…Maybe…
"Well…As long as you're okay with the way things are going Arthur. You're the one who has defer to his rule while the CEO is away. We were kind of worried about you yesterday". Merlin keeps his voice light, not wanting to get into anything with Arthur now.
Arthur nods and shrugs, "Well, it is going to be different. I can't even recall the last time Father took time off…Yesterday was…sudden and I won't lie to you – I was understandably upset…But after Uncle Agravaine came by, I had a bit more time to think – and sleep on it and I accept that this is the way things must be. I mean, as you said, I still have plans to put in place and he never said he would oppose them so yeah…Merlin, please promise me you won't burn down the building while I am away".
Merlin snorts and rolls his eyes. Arthur grins and stands up, picking up his bag, ready to go through to passport control as his flight has already been announced.
"So…are you nervous?"
It is his turn to snort at Merlin's clearly idiotic question.
Arthur's POV
Not nervous. I am absolutely positively Terrified. This was such a good idea at eleven pm the night I decided to go. Not that I will tell Merlin that. Ah well, too late to turn back now Arthur old boy.
"Absolutely not. Merlin…I am merely getting on a plane for a holiday. I hardly think this is something to be nervous about."
Merlin holds back a laugh and settles for a cheeky nod. Arthur sounds very certain of himself but Merlin knows better.
"Sure, okay then…You'll be fine; you've gotten this far mate. Just…try not to be too much of a prat – if that's possible".
Arthur immediately punches Merlin in the arm eliciting a yelp from his friend. Smirking, Arthur shoulders his pack.
"Merlin?"
"…"
"Merlin?"
"Sorry. I couldn't answer you just now because I'm still in shock from the pain owing to the unwarranted act of violence just committed upon me. Does Gwen know she is being pursued by a person with sadistic tendencies?"
Arthur guffaws and reaches out his hand, an apologetic look on his face. Merlin stops rubbing his arm theatrically and grabs it as they shake hands.
"Thank you Merlin..."
"You're welcome. Go on, get out of here already! Have a safe flight and give our love to Gwen".
"Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to Jaipur. In a few moments we will be exiting the plane from Terminal B. The local time is 2:00 pm with the local temperature a lovely 34 degrees Celsius (93.2 degrees Fahrenheit). For those of you with return bookings with us, we advise you to reconfirm with the airline 48 hours before your flight. On behalf of K_ Airways, we wish to thank you for choosing to fly with us today and hope you enjoy your stay in the Pink City".
The announcement jolts Arthur out of a deep sleep as he rubs his eyes and looks out of his window at the airport buildings. He was grateful for the business class seat that Merlin had thoughtfully booked from England to New Delhi because he had slept most of the way over and then when he had boarded his domestic flight for Jaipur, he had remained awake long enough to drink the bottle of water offered before dozing off again. It wasn't a long flight and he still felt sluggish as he made his way into the terminal with other passengers, stopping to buy some more bottled water from an airport vendor.
Merlin might have continuously complained about being given 'Assistant' type tasks by Arthur, but he was very thorough and organised – Arthur hadn't thought to book a hotel or any sort of transport, so he was secretly very relieved Merlin had done that.
Following the signs to the transfers loading bay area, he walks up to the courtesy airport van from the Hotel M_ where a smiling, tall, middle aged man with a bushy moustache is standing. The man and Arthur greet each other and he introduces himself as Sujit Lal, the hotel driver after Arthur gives his name.
After picking up three more people they are off. Arthur doesn't speak for a while; he just relaxes and takes in the frenetic scenes that depict a modern Indian city. He listens quietly as Sujit offers a brief insight into the city's industrial and cultural activities, pointing out several important landmarks on route to the hotel as the other guests eagerly ask him for more tidbits.
After a while the other visitors fall silent as they begin to take pictures and pore over their guide books. Because he has chosen to sit up front with the driver, Sujit makes polite small talk asking him about his flight over and how his jet lag is faring. Arthur immediately feels at ease with the friendly man and they chat until they reach their destination.
Soon they are pulling up at the impressive historical buildings. Arthur takes his time getting out, looking around him to admire the expansive grounds and the arched courtyards. A porter appears to grab his bags as he remains outside the hotel taking in the views.
Sujit comes to find him, smiling as he observes the young man appreciating the architecture of the old buildings.
"Pardon me Sir? Your room is ready. Would you like to come this way?"
Arthur smiles his thanks and they both walk towards the vast entrance to the hotel.
"These buildings are…amazing. I remember you saying that this is a heritage mansion? Wow…Please, call me Arthur. Thank you Mr. Lal", he says courteously as he makes to follow him in.
Sujit smiles and bows slightly before he leads him into the entrance. The hotel duty manager had discreetly indicated that the young heir to Pendragon Industries would be staying with them for a few days and that he was to be treated like a VIP while he was staying with them. Now that he has met him and spent a little bit of time with him, Sujit is pleased to note that he is down to earth and well mannered – something that most VIPs and their heirs who had stayed with them were usually not.
"My pleasure Arthur. If there is any way I may be of assistance to you during your stay with us, please do not hesitate to ask".
Arthur nods and makes to leave, and then hesitating, he turns back to the driver, somewhat unsure of himself.
"Uh…actually, there is something…See I uh, I came to…to see my girlfr-well actually, I am not actually sure that she wants to be yet, it's not like we've really defined it but I was hoping…Uh..", he stops talking when he sees the older man's confusion before he breaks out into smile again.
Blushing Arthur runs a hair through his hair and Sujit nods encouragingly, waiting for him to continue.
"She is here? In Jaipur? This young lady whom you say is not your girlfriend? Perhaps she is not yet?" his eyes are twinkling and his tone is kind.
Arthur nods and blushes.
"I made a spur of a moment decision and jumped on a plane and flew 4000 miles to um, see her…extreme right? Hah!…I mean…I didn't even work out what I was going to say, or do…I know where she is – she is teaching in K_ area at a government school R_ for one term…but yeah, so, now I am here, I don't really…know how to go about doing it. Sorry, you must be thinking here's another crazy foreigner again!" Arthur lets out an embarrassed laugh.
Sujit shakes his head, eyes still twinkling.
"Affairs of the heart make us do the craziest things, and you are by no means crazier than most. When would you like to see her?"
Arthur looks at his watch. It's now almost 5 pm, and he knows that she's already finished for the day and probably assisting her host mother with duties at their house, or playing with the children at the school grounds.
"Is the area far from here?" he wonders out loud, as he tries to remember what the information he'd downloaded said and fails. The driver shakes his head with a slight smile.
"I know the area well, my cousin's family live not too far from the school, I would be happy to take you out there to see her, and wait for you? That way, should anything happen you have a friend, or what is that expression my sons quote from their favourite action movies? I will be your 'back up'?"
Arthur looks at him in surprise and is touched by the man's kindness, he has just met him after all, but he is offering to help already.
"That is very kind of you Mr. Lal and I thank you but it's really okay. It must be almost time for you to knock off for the day, and I don't want you to trouble yourself. I will just order a taxi, or arrange something with the front desk. Please, it's really no-"
Sujit waves his hands in the air and chuckles quietly.
"Arthur, it would be my pleasure to help you in your wonderful quest. Besides, this will make a wonderful story to tell Mrs. Lal. She is always telling me I am too much of a romantic at heart so this will give her something extra to tease me about later." Both men laugh at his comment.
The older man is adamant and he won't let Arthur refuse his offer. He suggests that Arthur checks in and freshens up quickly before they leave and he goes back to the car to wait.
Twenty minutes later, Arthur is sitting in the front passenger's seat of the van while Sujit negotiates the late Friday afternoon chaos of the traffic. Arthur says nothing for a while as he studies the driver skillfully weaving in and out amongst the melee of different types of vehicles and the noise.
After a while, they leave the city centre on route for Gwen's area.
"Arthur? If you do not mind me asking, do you have a plan of attack for when you get there?"
Arthur shrugs and fiddles with his seat belt.
"Well…I thought I'd just get there and say 'Surprise!" Or something equally daft as that…Oh! I did find this in that very handy floral boutique in the hotel lobby", he lifts up a small bouquet of white ginger lilies. A stroke of good luck that had caught his eye as he was rushing out of the hotel after he'd had a quick shower and changed his clothes.
Sujit glances at the flowers and nods his approval.
"Ah yes, flowers – a good choice. Her favorites?"
"Yes…I think."
Sensing that the young man is nervous, the driver attempts to put him at ease.
"So tell me more about this special girl that you can fly 4000 miles from England to see?"
Arthur grins and exhales slowly.
"Our two friends set us up but when we first met, we actually didn't like each other at all. We kept meeting in odd and unfortunate circumstances and that made us fight ha ha…Then, one night, we met at work – we both worked for the same company at that point, although I am in management and she was on the cleaning crew so we never saw each other because I had been based overseas and had just returned. It was a bit of a shock meeting outside my office one night. That night, we just started talking and it went on from there…We've always had mutual friends, but our paths never crossed before though.
Now, when I think of her, I can't imagine her not being in my life. She is a very independent person; intelligent, funny, adventurous, hard working, kind…She is very helpful and cares a lot about her friends, family, and she's the sort of person who will stop to help strangers if she sees they need help. She wants to teach children with special learning needs – and she will be a very good teacher. I know that because she is patient, caring, and very good with people – not just children. She is…Well I guess she's like the voice of reason in my head and when I'm around her, I feel like I can be myself…and everything just seems…well better because of her. Yeah so…"he lets his voice trail off as he clears his throat, blushing slightly and falling silent.
The older man grins and nods his head slowly as if he finally understands.
"Ah! It is…Kismat…"
Arthur is silent for a moment as he tries to recall what the word means. Thank God for Merlin and his collection of anecdotes and classic third beer topics.
"You mean like…fate?"
Sujit laughs and nods his head robustly, never taking his eyes off the road.
"Or destiny…Perhaps you were both not meant to meet earlier? And now here you are, on your way to meet her and probably you will stay together forever? That would be very good no?"
He laughs again and looks briefly at Arthur who smiles and shrugs.
The thought of spending the rest of his life with Gwen has crossed his mind more than just a few times, usually in those moments of lunacy re: unfettered daydreaming, then he thinks of his father's words and settles for silence.
"Anyway, I think you are ready my friend. You already know what you feel so what you say should be easy".
Arthur laughs quietly. Just then Sujit tells him they are approaching the school compound and to 'leave it to him'. Whatever that means.
Arthur's POV
Oh great! The tarantulas are back…Breathe Arthur. As Merlin said; you made it this far!"
Gwen is getting better at preparing the roti, something that is bound to please Elyan as he has always loved Indian food. She chats with Mira Patel, her host mother as she stirs the vegetables. Suddenly Naveen comes hurtling into the small kitchen carrying what looks like a bouquet of flowers. He rushes straight up to her and pulls on her shawl, forcing her to bend down to his five year old height. His older brother Nikhil stands impatiently at the door, stage whispering at him to hurry up.
"Gwennie! For you!" he says giggling as he pushes the flowers into her arms. Looking down she stops laughing as she stares at the white ginger lily flowers. Thanks to the little boy's enthusiasm to act as postman, they're now slightly squashed but still tied up neatly with a yellow ribbon and pretty all the same. Inhaling her favourite scent, she gets up, and Mira comes up to her smiling as she puts her hands on her hips, shaking her head, which indicates she has no idea what's happened either. Before Gwen can speak, Naveen impatiently grabs her free hand.
"Come! Come!" he shouts, half dragging her out of the room. Confused, Gwen allows him to lead the way, only stopping to put on her sandals at the door before Nikhil shouts at them to hurry and all three of them run back to the school, then past the school fields, towards the large banyan tree. Laughing and slightly out of breath, Gwen finally has a moment to rest as the brothers let go of her hands as they near the huge tree.
She is happy to stop and have a moment to catch her breath. After a while she straightens up again and turns to where the boys are now standing shyly off to one side.
"Okay boys, not that I don't enjoy running very fast but what are we doing here? And where did you get the lovely flowers from? " she asks them with a smile.
"I suspect they come from their native area of eastern India. Of course the ones you're holding actually came from a hotel lobby florist but if you really want to get pedantic…", Arthur speaks quietly in his usual lightly teasing manner as he steps out from behind the vast trunk of the tree, holding a single lily in his hand and smiling at her.
Gwen's POV
NO WAY! Arthur? He came to see me…He came all this way to see me…I can't believe it…He's really here…Okay girl pick your jaw up off the grass and kiss the guy already! I can't kiss him here, it's not proper. Fine, at least hug him…you know you want to.
Looking at him with her mouth wide open (and looking quite idiotic at this moment most probably) Gwen cannot believe her eyes. Arthur Pendragon is standing not two metres away from her. Here! In Jaipur, India talking about her favourite flowers in his usual joking way, those sky blue eyes of his twinkling, and she's trying not to imagine how it would feel to kiss the life out of him right now.
"Arthur? Oh my God! I can't believe you're-! You're really here? I mean, er, of course you're really here, you're standing right in front of me but-! I…Wow!" She laughs and claps her hands over her mouth in delight. Well Arthur hopes she's delighted, because otherwise that would suck.
He is suddenly a little timid and runs a hand through his blonde hair smiling uncertainly at her as he walks closer until he is right in front of her. She is looking up at him and his breath hitches. He has this sudden urge to reach out to touch her face, her curls…
He stares down at her, momentarily speechless as he studies her profile under the shade of the large tree. She is dressed simply in a pale blue salwar kameez with a matching scarf lightly draped around her neck, and her hair has come undone from the pins when she ran over here and is now blowing slightly in the early evening breeze. In a word, Gwen has never looked more beautiful to Arthur than at this moment.
"Um yeah...Uh, surprise Guinevere!…So…I kind of wanted to uh see you and had this moment of madness to –"he doesn't finish his sentence because Gwen flies right into his arms and then she's there, snuggled up, against his chest, hugging him closely and he doesn't need to speak anymore; he just folds her into his arms and breathes in her scent, feeling those unruly curls. She fits wonderfully under his chin and the moment is, well damn near perfect really.
They stay like this for more than a few moments, until one of the boys giggles and Gwen, conscious of the audience and where they are, regretfully tenderly pulls away. Arthur lets her go, but slowly reaches out to tuck the flower he's still holding behind her ear. Brushing a stray curl away from her face, he tilts her chin up so she's looking straight at him.
"So…by your reaction can I assume that this…this is ok? That I came to see you I mean?" he half jokes, while Gwen blushes and laughs, "Its more than okay Pendragon…I…I've missed you so much." She says, quieter this time, looking right into those blue eyes that always take her breath away.
He grins and caressing her cheek he exhales a breath he didn't realise he was holding, "Ditto Leodegrance. Ditto…" They both gaze into each other's eyes and Naveen chooses that moment to make a kissing noise which Nikhil slaps him on the arm for.
Arthur and Gwen come back down to Earth as Naveen's cries of exaggerated pain fill the air. Gwen, noticing that the sun is fast setting, steps back further away from him and beckons the boys over. She soothes Naveen and tells Nikhil to apologise to his brother, then introduces them properly to Arthur who confesses to 'meeting' them earlier outside the house. Both boys are curious and a bit shy, having only met Arthur briefly earlier when he'd persuaded re: possibly bribed them (with the aid of football cards from Fatty's shop up the road) to get Gwen to meet him.
"It's getting late; I'd better get the boys back home. Why don't you come and meet Mr. and Mrs. Patel? Sarah is out with Sonal and some of the other teachers but I am sure they'd love to meet you too Arthur."
Naveen and Nikhil happily follow Arthur and Gwen as they make their way back home, the younger boy even asking for a shoulder ride from Arthur. Arthur ends up staying to dinner with the Patel family, at the insistence of Arun and Mira whose eyes gleam mischievously when they are introduced by Gwen who tries not to blush and ignore Mira's delight at being able to meet Gwen's 'friend'.
She can't stop smiling though, and although she doesn't say much during the meal, mostly just listening to Arthur talk about his trip over and his first impressions of India, everyone, including Arthur, can all tell that 'Gwennie' is very happy to see her friend. Arthur calls Sujit who is having dinner with his cousin down the road and he agrees to come collect him in a couple of hours so he can get a good rest at his hotel.
The Patel's, Gwen, and Arthur enjoy their dinner and it is a fun evening. The family is also able to suggest some places that the pair can visit during the weekend with the two boys making Arthur promise to come back on Monday and play football and maybe even teach them how play rugby.
"Thank you so much for the wonderful meal and hospitality Mr. and Mrs. Patel. I had a wonderful time", Arthur thanks his hosts as the family has come out to bid Arthur farewell outside the front door as Sujit will be here to pick him up shortly.
The two boys shake hands smartly with Arthur and Naveen hugs him hard before running back inside with Nikhil. Mira nudges Arun and they both smile quietly, disappearing back inside leaving Gwen and Arthur alone outside.
Silence unfolds as they both smile at each other then…
"So tomorrow-"
"What time do you-"
They both laugh, and then fall silent again.
Gwen's POV
Déjà-vu or what? We're quite a pair! Okay…Is this slightly awkward?..The next thing he'd better say is "Can I kiss you" or I will-What? Yeah you heard me. Women's lib...Meaning? Meaning you make the first move!
Arthur's POV
Think Peter Andre Arthur…Peter Andre? What the hell? Sigh…Okay, so you're still slow on the uptake since you're probably still jetlagged…I meant that song he did…in that Mermaid movie?...No…Okay forget it! You want layman's? Yes please. Okay, what I mean is KISS her already! Ohhhh!
Arthur reaches out for Gwen's hand and she slips her hand into his as they walk slowly towards the front gate where they stop.
"So…tomorrow I was hoping that you had some time…We could do some sightseeing? Maybe? If you're uh…not too busy with other stuff?" he finally asks.
Gwen pretends to think it over, and then shrugs casually.
"Hmm…I dunno…I might be free for a bit around 3…", she jokes and giggles as he makes a face, still not letting go of her hand.
"I can come to your hotel tomorrow? We could start from there? Sarah and Sonal are also going into the city so I'll leave with them and then meet you there? Say 8:30?"
Arthur nods happily, and then Gwen reaches up to straighten up his shirt collar, ruffled up by rough play with Naveen and Nikhil earlier. As she does this he grabs her hands and holds them up behind his neck, pulling her closer to him.
They stand like this for a couple of seconds, which could be hours as it seems like time stops.
"Guinevere…I missed you…More than I can tell you. You haven't even been gone that long and I found myself wondering how you were, and…wanting to see you. I had to see you…It was getting to the point where I would see you sitting there instead of Merlin-"
Gwen bursts out laughing at that line.
"God, now that would be scary!" she remarks, still not moving away from him.
He nods and looks back at her, staring into those dark chocolate orbs.
"Yes, it was…But it made me realise that I can't…and don't want to be apart from you – unless I have to be…So here I am and I hope you're not going to think I am a psychotic mor-"
Gwen pulls her hand gently out from where he's captured it and softly presses it to his mouth, stopping the rest of his sentence. Basically, whenever Gwen touches him, even if its just on his arm, Arthur forgets what he's saying anyway so it's highly effective.
"That's lovely Arthur but I was wondering if you were ever going to get around to kissing me? It would be a shame; you came all this way after all…" She bites her lip, blushing furiously as soon as the words are out of her mouth, trying not to die of shame for being so forward.
Arthur looks surprised for half a second before he half grins and then putting his hands on her hips, pulls her back towards him.
"I don't need to be told twice. Yes Ma'am", he puts on a western drawl moving nearer still as they both smile and move closer.
Their lips finally meet, slowly and softly.
The feeling is not unlike that electrical sensation they both felt the day at the chemist when their hands touched. Only this time, it's that. And so much more.
Pulling back slightly, they look into each other's eyes and suddenly Arthur lets out a loud whoop of delight before picking Gwen up and swinging her around. She giggles and he puts her back down before he reaches down to tuck a curl behind her ear (something he plans on doing as much as possible now) and pulling her into his arms again, they kiss once more.
This time it's deeper, longer, and more intimate as Arthur tightens his hold of her lower waist and Gwen runs her hands through his golden hair, pulling him closer still. If that's possible.
Finally breaking apart because of that little thing called oxygen; Arthur takes a moment to breathe before he looks down at Gwen, grinning from ear to ear. She blushes, and then smiles, grabbing his hand again and moving ahead of him to open the gate. Right on cue, the van arrives and Gwen is introduced to Sujit before Arthur moves to get into the vehicle.
Just before he gets into the car, Arthur turns and still holding her hand, he brings it to his lips, kissing it gently and Gwen smiles softly up at him.
"Good night my Guinevere", he says quietly, his eyes looking right into hers.
Blushing at the formality of the scene, Gwen smiles and curtsies low to Arthur.
"Good night Prince Arthur...Ha ha, don't give me that look! I'm not completely out of it that I don't read chic women's mags! If I do say so myself, that picture doesn't really do you justice though. I much prefer the version in the calendar…Ha ha…"
Arthur turns red and looks like he's about to make some insult about Gwaine and popular women's magazines but he holds his tongue and settles for a dramatic pained expression instead.
Gwen smiles at him, reluctantly letting go of his hand.
"Get some rest Arthur. I can't wait to spend some more time with you tomorrow".
Nodding he grins his signature goofy smile at her as he gets into the car.
"Ditto."
Gwen waves the van off as she stands in the yard with her arms crossed feeling her heart beat erratically. Walking back slowly towards the house she touches her hand to her lips and smiles to herself.
Gwen's POV
I can't stop smiling…Arthur is…I think I am in love with Arthur Pendragon…
Arthur leans back in the van not really seeing the dark streets whiz past as they travel back to the city. Sujit looks over at him briefly and smiles.
"She is quite lovely, your friend. So I am thinking that our mission was successful today, yes?" he states good-humoredly.
Arthur nods dreamily and settles back comfortably in his chair.
Arthur POV
Wow…She is…I think…that for the first time ever in my life, I am, quite possibly in love…
A/N: Wow...This was actually a lot harder to write than I thought but hey, I tried...Hopefully y'all get the 'ArWen love' islandgem style (not your usual fluff) but yeah...As always thanks for sticking around and reading guys! If you have time, I love reviews and feedback, so please drop me a line. Up next; sightseeing in India and we finally get that first date ;)