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 meetings (what else would you do in a multi-national corp eh?), the used car salesman, loyalties (sorta) questioned, the makings of a 'leader', and a little bit of ArWen. Also, there are some text and email messages in here so hope it doesn't get too confusing.

AN: Italics denote POV and Real Time is in normal font so I hope it doesn't get too confusing. Muchos apologies for the delay on this update - I realise its been over a month. Blame it on my dog eating my homework (crap excuse), or aliens abducting me (overdone excuse), and me winning the Lottery and having to sale around the Pacific on my new yacht (no Lottery in my country so its all lies) It's just RL got in the way etc, etc. I am eternally grateful for the faithful readership, and thank you all for the alerts, favourites and comments - they're much appreciated. Special shoutout today to arwen2010...Hope you all enjoy the update! :) P.s. Please check out Anastacia G's 'Children of Avalon' series if you get the chance - its really very good :)

Disclaimer: Which I haven't done in a while - my bad. Obviously I don't own Merlin or the characters, but if I did...Any spelling/grammar mistakes I sincerely apologise for - I do try me best but yeah, it happens :)

Chapter 30: The One With Decisions

Stifling a yawn Arthur Pendragon focuses on the screen, wishing he hadn't told everyone he would be back in the office the day after he'd just flown back. It's been two days since he's been back and he's still tired. It didn't help that he had to listen to Merlin talk about one or two things that Agravaine had decreed while Arthur had been away. He put it down to Merlin just being…well Merlin and told him not to be "so bloody paranoid about his uncle!" He supposed it was normal; people needed time to get used to a new leadership style and so forth.

He has been sitting in the board room for the past two hours for a meeting called by Agravaine to go over the latest reports. It seems to Arthur's tired mind as if Agravaine has been talking for that amount of time too. Glancing around the room, he notices that he is not alone in his tiredness, or perhaps in the case of everyone else, possibly boredom. From where he is sitting next to Merlin, he can see that his friend is covertly doodling on his yellow legal writing pad.

"Isn't that right Arthur?" his uncle asks him without warning, ending his long speech.

Agravaine stares at Arthur, waiting for a response. It is long enough for everyone else to also look at him. Arthur quickly sits up straighter in his chair, trying not to look like he's reading what Merlin has just hurriedly scribbled down on the writing pad for him to read. Upside down.

"Er…Yes, of course. You were asking about the…correspondence? Right. Well, Jennifer has organised the reports haven't you Jennifer? Why don't we let her give you some input on that matter?" Arthur looks at the woman sitting to his left and she responds to Agravaine's comments.

Eventually the meeting comes to an end and people file out gratefully from the room. Arthur is almost at the doors when he hears his name being called.

"Arthur? I was wondering if I could have a quick word?" Agravaine walks quickly to join him.

Nodding Arthur follows his uncle out of the room, not noticing that Agravaine is studying him shrewdly as they walk to the lifts.

"I hope you are finding things okay here. I am sorry that I wasn't here for the first couple of days but-" Agravaine waves him off, smiling widely.

"Arthur, you are entitled to a decent break once in a while…You cannot be all work and no play can you? I trust you had a good rest then? Did you go anywhere exciting?"

Arthur smiles briefly and waits for his uncle to enter the lift before joining him, shrugging.

"Not really. I just felt like I hadn't had a decent rest in a while so yeah, that's pretty much what I did…just, uh, rest". He is saved from any further explanation when his phone buzzes. He pulls it out of his pocket immediately, checking his text from Gwen. Agravaine catches the change in his expression and smirks to himself.

"I was rather hoping we could have dinner together this evening? I would like to talk to you about a few things, preferably away from the office. There is this lovely bistro that your mother and I used to frequent when we were students…Well, I mean, if you're free that is?" he asks slowly.

Arthur quickly slips his phone back into his pocket and looks up, trying to wipe the 'dreamy expression' that Merlin gave him heaps for whenever he has mentioned Gwen since returning from India. Forcing himself not to think about her, or her text, he focuses on his uncle and nods enthusiastically. It would be good to talk to his uncle in a more relaxed atmosphere, and he does want to hear more about his mother.

"That sounds great".

Agravaine beams at him as the doors open and he gets off on his floor and turns back to Arthur.

"Excellent. See you then".

(Two months later…)

To: gwenleodegrance

From: merline

Date: 16 April 2012, 4:15pm

Subject: Peachy?...

Hiya!

Sorry I know, I owe you like three emails at least, but it's been a bit of a mad house here…There's been so many changes at PI with the new guy that…Anyways, you know well enough already Gwennie that life with your 'sister from another mother' is more or less the same. In a word? Crazy. Not that I would have it any other way but you know Morgs :)

Glad to hear you're all good and thank you so much for the postcards! I know Gwaine purposely sticks the ones you've been sending him on his wall so that he can quietly re: not quiet at all, break the hearts of all his female staff under the age of 50 – true story Gwen (and you and I both know he loves the attention - they all seriously think he's got a woman in every port , which is not that inaccurate). If he didn't know for a fact that you would never have given him the time of day, and he wasn't terrified that Arthur would (if he could) put him in the stocks for a week and then shock horror; cut off his 'luscious' locks, he would still be trying to crack on you to this day ;) LOL I suppose Lance is sleeping with your posties under his pillow still? Oops, my bad..hahaha, sorry, I couldn't resist that one ;) Plus you're not here to give me a Chinese burn so…

Life at PI is…okay I suppose. I know I haven't been talking much about work in our chats, emails, etc and you noticed so you asked. I guess it's just 'cos things are a bit…different with Agravaine around…He is not Uther (thank God) but he's not exactly…how should I say? Any better? No, that's the wrong way to describe what he is. I guess, well to be perfectly honest, let's just say I don't trust Agravaine as far as I can throw him and his $2000 Armani suit and you know – and you've said on more than one occasion that I throw like a chick so…Don't get me wrong, he knows his stuff business wise but…yeah. Of course, I haven't found out anything per say, and I know what you're thinking; 'do you have proof of this Merlin' blah blah – I swear you have been chatting with my mum waaaay too much for your own good :) Seriously though, it's just a hunch, and I know Gaius also has his suspicions – something he said a while ago that made me think. I have a feeling my mentor knows more then he's prepared to share at this point with me. Also…I don't know if Arthur has been telling you much about him, but he, they, well he pretty much listens to everything Agravaine says now – which is good, in a way but…he didn't used to be like that. Plus Agravaine's made quite a few changes which are risky – he is thinking about profit margins and things, but still. I think some of the stuff he is trying to get done you need through go to the Board so am not sure how that's going to go, but yeah, your 'Prince' is pretty thick with his uncle these days. Not that anyone can say a thing. What with Uther away 'resting' and you know Arthur; once his mind is made up about something that's it. Speaking of Uther, yes, it was quite sudden him leaving for a break, and there are plenty of rumours going around about this so called break but as Gaius said; one should mind their own affairs, etc etc…I know Arthur's worried about it – he has been to see his dad once and he said he seems tired. Knowing how 'close' those two are, I bet you two big macs that the old man told him in upper class language that he is "A-ok" :) Anyway, I won't bore you with all of this stuff now 'cos I know you'll just frown and ask more questions.

Has it really been two months since you left? Geez…hurry back! We miss you. Morgana doesn't understand that most men do not 'do' spas or want to watch Dirty Dancing and "quote my favourite lines"! To put it in layman's terms; I MISS YOU. Hurry back so I can regain my masculinity. No, do not make jokes – I have taken the brunt of them from the lads – and now pretty much the entire HQ! Thanks to Gwaine and Elyan for somehow leaking a picture of me getting a men's facial at the spa and putting it on Facebook! I know you saw it but I can always rely on you not to become 12 again like those idiots! Honestly! Everyone is still giving me shite about it and it's been a week.

I'd better bounce and give some stuff to Gaius (who is now hovering at my desk impatiently). He just gave me the highest raised eyebrow expression yet – and that's saying something! He says hi btw, and tells you take care. As I said, life is not the same here without you. Also, I know someone who is secretly (and not doing a good job of hiding it) counting down the days until you get back…hehehe (evil laughter here).

Take care Gwennie!

Luv Merls

To: merline

From: gwenleodegrance

Date: 16 April 2012, 9:15pm

Subject: Re: Peachy?...

Hey Merls!

Thank you so much for the box! The candy was much appreciated, as were the stickers, sports cards, and PI scarves – which my host family, friends, and students love. Tell Morgs that I will gladly buy her more fabric but I don't really have to at this point in time. I have met so many wonderful people here and they have given me so many gifts – including fabric which I will gladly share with Morgs, Ellie and the others. I have seen so many beautiful places while I've been here, but most of all, met some new friends for life, and had an insight of what it's like to live, and teach somewhere very different to Camelot City. This is definitely a place I will want to visit again in the future. Maybe we can all come back together some day?

Okay FYI, I saw the pictures Gwaine put up on FB and you can thank me for emailing him to ask him to take them down…I have to admit though, you did look good in that chocolate brown robe – it really is your colour (trying to type this line with a straight face). Secondly, I might not be there to give you a Chinese burn in person, but I do know what an I.O.U is so beware Emrys!

I admit, I was a bit worried when I read the part about PI…Merlin, I know you've always been protective of Arthur (despite your protestations) and you do have the company's interests at heart but, maybe this is just that whole adjusting to Agravaine being in charge instead of Uther? They are different in their management styles as you said and maybe it's just getting used to that? The guy has a lot of experience with running corporations, etc so he probably does know what he's talking about. Thing is, when Arthur was here, he was quite reluctant to talk about PI and the changes in management with his uncle coming in. I don't know, maybe I am just over thinking things. He did mention he was surprised with his father's decision to appoint his uncle instead of him to take over in his absence but he accepted it. I guess he is also thinking about the fact that this is the only living relative and more importantly link he has to his mother. There is that, but…Yes, there is a but! :)You mentioned that Gaius has his views of Agravaine too? Gaius has been Uther's trusted advisor for more than twenty five years…What exactly is it he said to you about it? No, I guess you can't tell me, if it's a work matter. I guess what I'm trying to say is if Gaius has some thoughts about the guy then you should look into it a bit more? It is Gaius so…

I sincerely hope Uther is well though, I mean, I find it a bit hard to believe that if something was wrong with him he wouldn't tell his son…I mean, I know they have a…'complicated' relationship but still, he is his son…Anyway, Arthur doesn't talk to me much about it. I guess he doesn't want to stress about work stuff when we talk and that's fine. We've been talking and chatting and all that but he's been busy, and yeah, it does sound like he is spending a lot more time with his uncle. I like that he is – and I suppose he has found a mentor who can help him which is good. Maybe this is a god thing? You know, having his uncle step in and help him out and give him and his dad some space? What I am most glad about is that you are also there with him. Just…keep an eye on him. Even if he doesn't want you to I know you will Merlin :)

Not long to go now! I miss you all so much. I am so glad Elyan is dating again – it was a great idea to invite Percy's cousin Sophie to his party that time. I had no idea she worked so close to PI HQ, but she moved over from Paris a couple of months ago and yeah, without wanting to sound too much like a busybody sister, it's pretty cool that he's happy with someone :)

Crap, the time! I had better get going. We are attending a wedding tomorrow and I am super excited. Take care of yourself, be nice to Gaius and try to be patient with Morgs – for your own safety ;)

Love you!

From Gwen

Arthur flops dejectedly into his chair and absentmindedly picks up his mother's sculpture, running his hands over it, deep in thought.

Arthur's POV

Geez…what a day! I never thought I'd say this, but I sort of wish Father were back. I keep thinking maybe…something could be wrong with him…like health wise. He seemed…okay when I went to visit him even though he told me that I was needed back in the office with more important things to do then visiting him – that was kind of a normal comment for him but…There's that niggling feeling again in the back of my mind. Not that he'd ever tell me if something was wrong…I don't know...Maybe I should ask Gaius and Uncle Agravaine if they are aware of something? Maybe. Not long before Guinevere's back. I can't wait…I also want to talk to her about work…Do you? Well…I feel guilty 'cos my workload has totally skyrocketed since Father left...I have to talk to her about the media and all that…I know she loves being a private person and all that but yeah..Sure sure…What does that mean? It means on some level you're kind of worried about the fallout of being with Gwen..Fallout? What? You know what I mean; the status thing. Also you know you'll have to tell Uther you two are together someday. I know! But that doesn't have to be right now! Sigh…Okay, from one grey area to another…I have enjoyed having my uncle around – and he's right; he is not my father but…I don't know. I feel like maybe he's…I need time to think on the proposal he put forward about budget cuts and to the Board to agree to the new business venture with Pelican Investment Bank. I just need to think on it…

His train of stressed out thought is interrupted by Merlin breezing in closely followed by Gaius and then Marilyn who hovers at the door with her notepad, in case he wants her to take notes.

Putting down the sculpture he frowns at their thoughtful expression and then politely asks Marilyn to get him the merger files that Agravaine left behind for him to read.

Gaius and Merlin sit down across from Arthur and watch as he attempts to read his notes. Merlin rolls his eyes at Gaius and then stares pointedly at Arthur waiting for him to look up.

Finally, feeling Merlin's stare boring into his head, Arthur looks up again tetchily.

"Hello Gaius. Merlin…What?" he snaps. Merlin shrugs, and waits for Gaius to speak; figuring Arthur will at least consider what he has to say.

"Arthur", Gaius begins tentatively, "We wondered if we could have a quick word with you about something".

"Right. Well then…"

"I take it you've read Agravaine's proposal to merge with PIB then?"

Arthur sighs inwardly and leans back in his chair.

"I have and…well the Board is considering it, based on my recommend-"

Merlin leans forward, interrupting him, "Arthur right now, the last thing this company needs to do is consider getting involved with businesses we know little about. We've just been hit by the Brighton fiasco and we need to concentrate on the parent companies right now, and with the due diligence being half and half at best...You've read the information that Gaius and I worke-"

Arthur cuts him off with an impatient wave of his hand. Marilyn scoots into the room to hand him the report and then leaves again, making sure not to close the door all the way. Agravaine has told her to keep an eye out for any conversations between her boss, Merlin and Gaius in particular and report back to him.

"Yeah I read it Merlin and you do raise some critical points. However, as Agravaine advised me, we need to think of expanding our market to other areas and his people have done adequate analysis on this. They are certain that this will be a profitable exercise for PI. You are the one who said that it would be a chance to move forward with plans that I would like to see implemented here so I am not sure why the caution all of a sudden".

Arthur's tone is hard and Gaius blinks a couple of times before finally nodding and standing up to leave, glancing at Merlin to see if he is ready to follow him out. Merlin is still rooted to his chair, frowning slightly at Arthur.

"Very well then. I just thought you should hear my concerns. I would not be conducting my duties prudently here at PI if I didn't outline all the factors for us to consider. I see that you must do as you see fit but Arthur, I do wish you would reconsider this proposal, or perhaps just hold off until the CEO is back in office –"

Arthur stands up, suddenly very irritated with Gaius, Merlin, and everything really. Agravaine had told him the other night when they were having dinner that everyone, including his closest advisors would try to keep second guessing him in all of his choices as the future leader of PI but that he must be firm and that includes reminding them of their place. It was how great leaders were made was it not?

"Thank you Gaius. I appreciate the caution and advice but we need to stand firm and show the business world that PI is a frontrunner in the global business community and with that come calculated risks."

Gaius opens his mouth once more but thinks better of it and nods politely before moving towards the doors to leave. Arthur suddenly remembers something.

"Oh Gaius? I meant to ask you, has…has my father said anything to you about…his leave? I just wondered that's all…" Gaius turns back and smiles, not unkindly, shaking his head.

"No Arthur. All I know is his doctors advised him to have a break. Perhaps you should pay him another visit? See how he is for yourself?"

Arthur nods and watches as Gaius leaves. He can't fight that inner voice in the back of his mind telling him that maybe he should be listening to what Gaius said…Maybe.

Merlin clears his throat and Arthur turns back to him and sits back down.

Silence ensues and finally Arthur's had enough.

"Merlin, as you can see, I have about six hundred things to read and review before I can leave tonight so if you've got something extra to add, get on with it".

Merlin takes his time answering, "Arthur…Remember what I told you a while ago; that you don't have to be like your father. You can run this company your way one day and still make good business decisions but-"

"Yeah okay. Thanks for the reiteration of an earlier pep talk Merlin. Is that it?" he snaps.

"No I'm not finished!" Merlin snaps back, wondering why Arthur is being such an…ass.

"You need to consider the advice offered to you. Also, I wasn't going to raise this now, but since we're already kind of talking about it, have you even asked yourself why your uncle is doing all of this? PI doesn't need the extra profits - especially by some shady deal that he seems to be the only one who knows anything about! Du Bois was always happy in the past to do his own activities and not dabble in PI stuff. Why have you let him do half of the things he's done over the last two months he's been here? Have you forgotten the way you wanted to run this company? You've been so charmed by him that you've let him pretty much undo all the advances you've made. What about the layoffs, the revoking of HR policies, and not to mention the-"

Arthur stands up, slamming his hand on the desk and glares down at his best friend. Merlin is so shocked by his actions that he stops talking and just looks at him.

"That's enough Merlin! You are way out of line! Do not forget for one minute that I am your boss and that this is how we do things around here! You advise, I listen and then chose whether to accept it or not. Since when did you become my personal protector? And just who do you think you are questioning the Acting CEOs' decisions like that? I know that some of you are not happy with the changes he has brought in but like it or not, he is helping the company and in turn, me to become a better head. To understand the ways of the business…how it's supposed to be. I cannot always make everyone happy. These are issues that leaders have to consider and the decisions they take are for the greater good. I am sorry you don't get that, but you'll have to pretty soon or else!"

Merlin slowly stands up and nods slowly, shaking his head in amazement.

"Wow, "his voice is quieter now, "And here I always thought that you could do the things you wanted to do to make this company a far better one, with improved and much more ethical practices for other ones to learn from and instead, you're going to become everything your father always wanted and more. Good luck with that."

He turns and leaves the room quietly. Arthur curses loudly and falls back down in his chair. For half a second, he considers running after Merlin to apologise. He fights the urge to pick up his phone and call Gwen in India to talk it through because really, what kind of a leader of a global company would he be then if he were to take off and run to others every time something came up? He swallows down the bite of regret and opens up the folder again.

From her desk in the corner outside, Marilyn tries to talk down her own internal guilt as she scribbles down all the events and words exchanged during the brief meeting with Gaius and Merlin on her note pad so she can send an email to Agravaine when she's at home later tonight.

Message From: gwennie

Message: Heya! U ok? Morgz sed ur thinkn of jobhuntn? Y? Hang in ther. Wil b home sn. Xoxo G

Message From: merlz

Message: Hi. Morgz woryn 2 muj :) Can't w8 2 c u. B sef. Xox Merlz

Message From: Crazy Curls

Message: Hey Pendragon..How r u? Bin a while. Is evrythng ok? Merln seems dwn. Nt long nw :) Can't w8 2 c u! Xox G

Message From: APendragon

Message: Sorry this is l8. Busy here. Off 2 HongKong 2dy wth Uncle – nw deal. Bk nxt wk. Will ph u wen I get ther. Ditto Leodegrance. Ditto :) x A.

Two weeks later it is an extremely tired but too excited to care Gwen that struggles with her bags as she pushes her trolley towards the exit signs. She hears Morgana's gleeful squeal before she sees her. Abandoning her bags, Gwen rushes over to her and they hug each other and do a happy dance. Merlin and Elyan roll their eyes good naturedly and then hug her just as tight. Rescuing her bags, Elyan directs them towards the car park where he has parked. Gwen notices Merlin smiling wistfully at her and she moves closer to him as he puts his arm around her, leaving Morgana to help Elyan with the luggage.

"He wanted to come and get you Gwen, he really did...I guess he's just, you know, busy with work stuff and…" Gwen nods at his explanation and shrugs.

"It's okay. I get it…So, how are you? Is everything at PI okay?...I mean with you and Arthur?.." She studies her friend closely and Merlin smiles a little too brightly as he opens the car door for her to get in.

"Yeah sure. Why wouldn't it be?"

Feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep and a very late brunch, Gwen takes her time getting ready to meet with Arthur. He had called her shortly after they'd arrived back at her flat to apologise for not being able to see her today but could they meet at 'their' spot in the park the next day for coffee?

She is enjoying the unusually warm weather and watching the punts float by when she suddenly feels two hands clamp over her eyes and pull her back tightly. For a split second she panics, then when she smells Arthur's familiar scent she relaxes and giggles.

"Guess who?" he says teasingly. Laughing again, she puts her hands on top of his and turns around, removing them at the same time. Arthur grins down at her and then thrusts a bunch of lilies in front of her face and bows slightly as she takes them from him with a smile.

Drawing her closer, he kisses her swiftly, stopping any chance for further conversation. Gwen melts into the kiss and they stand there for some time. Eventually they both pull away and then Arthur hugs her tightly, breathing in the lovely wild ginger lillies smell that he's missed so much.

After a while he guides her towards the bench where he gestures to two takeaway coffee cups and a paper bag.

"Mi'lady?" he says somewhat gallantly, bowing low and guiding her to take a seat.

"Would you do me the honour of sharing a mid to late afternoon refreshment with me?" he holds out a cup to her and points to the paper bag.

"Why thank you my good Sir, you are much too magnanimous", she answers with a smile.

Arthur pauses, before handing her the bag as she puts down her flowers and accepts the offering.

"I…er…wait, what does that word mean again?"

Gwen rolls her eyes as they both laugh. She sniffs the aroma of her favourite kind of coffee and cookies in the bag (both from her favourite café).

She offers one to Arthur who grabs it and then she takes a long sip of her coffee, before leaning her head contentedly on his shoulder, both of them sitting in blissful silence.

"I missed you so much Guinevere and I uh, kinda did a count down until you'd come back...I had to hide my pocket calendar in my bag though – didn't want the boys giving me crap about it…Sorry, you know how it is with guys and all…" his voice trails off in embarrassment. Gwen scoffs and kisses him softly on the cheek.

"I missed you too…But I'm here now…" she says softly.

Arthur moves a bit, so he is able to look at her.

"Yes you are…And I am so glad. I was hoping that we could talk about something, well two things really. So, I know I haven't been really that great at communicating and I'm sorry. Things have been busy at work…Really busy with Uncle being here and Father being away…I'm not sure what Merlin's told you but… things have been a bit stressful…I guess, I am learning firsthand what my father meant by taking on all the responsibilities and having to think like a leader. I think some of the senior staff are a bit wary of Agravaine, but they need to accept that he's here to do a job as long as Father is gone and there's a lot more things I need to do now so…Yeah, sorry. I just wanted to say I was sorry for not being so good with keeping in touch lately and I did want to come pick you up yesterday but I had to attend a meeting".

Gwen nods, looking up at him.

"I am glad you're not giving up Arthur, and trying to do your best by the company. I just hope that you remember all the things that you'd like to do there and continue to work towards them. You've given people so much hope for a better future in your company. Merlin hasn't said much but...I know he worries about you, we all do. You seem to be a bit stressed out – more so than usual and…well, I might not be implicitly involved in all things PI but you know you can always talk to me…If you want to. I can be quite a good listener. Plus, I've been told by some people that I do give an awesome back rub, and I also make a pretty decent hot chocolate too – with marshmallows even! So there are quite a few benefits to having me as an extra ear sometimes."

Arthur laughs with her, and tightens his grip on her hand.

" Thanks Guinevere. I appreciate it, but there really is no need for anyone to quote Dr. Phil-isms to me just yet. Actually, I am rather intrigued about the back rubs though…Who exactly are these 'some' people who've given you feedback on the quality of your back rubs? Please tell me it wasn't from some skinny jeans, leather wrist band wearing, tortured, artist-type guy you met during one of your poetry jam nights at uni…" He laughs as Gwen swats his arm and sticks out her tongue at him.

Suddenly his expression turns serious and he looks straight ahead.

"I guess it's just that, sometimes it means you don't see eye to eye on things and people get affected – at work I mean. I want to make time for us, I really do but…with all the changes at the company and with my father away, I have to consider the company first and it's important that I make a good impression too…"

Gwen moves away slightly, her brow furrowing as she looks at Arthur.

"Sorry, I guess I am not really following you Arthur…I've told you before you don't have to apologise for your job or your responsibilities, I am well aware of what I am getting myself into if that's what you're talking about..?"

Arthur shakes his head and grabs her hand again, now looking down at her, wishing he'd practiced this in head better instead of just on fifteen minute drive over here.

"No please don't misunderstand me, I am not saying I want us to break up Guinevere! God no! I just...I just want you to be aware of all the changes that are going on at PI, and how that…affects me and how with Father out, I need to be on my toes. You've read enough of the gossip mags Merlin keeps on his coffee table to know that the tabloids love to run scandal and talk about the lifestyles of the 'rich and famous' like we're all best buddies with them. I've never liked being in the spotlight but I understand that it's a part of who I am and what I do. Now that you and I are finally together, I wish I could tell you that the media will not bother us but I can't guarantee it. What I can tell you is; I will try my best to make sure that our private life won't end up on page 6. I care…too much about you and what we have to have that happen. My uncle has been advising me on how to ensure that PI stays at the top and it's kind of like an almost 24/7 job…I will always make time for you, you know that you're too important to me not for me to want to be with you. I just don't want you to have to feel like I am ignoring you or you have to put up with the media prying or whatever and-"

Gwen cuts him off as she pushes his messy blonde hair out of his eyes. Arthur inwardly shivers as she touches him. There it is again! One slight touch from Guinevere and he's like putty in her hands, forgetting whatever he's talking or thinking about!

"Arthur. Stop apologizing. We'll make it work. I will be busy too – starting my new job soon and I can't wait. We can do this. We don't have to be the 'it' couple about town either; I completely understand that you don't want the media and whoever else to ruin it for us. I think it's very sweet of you to worry about me and the media hounds but it's really okay. I am a big girl. I get it – the discrete thing. You're right, being in the limelight is not me – but we can do this. Like you said to me once; how about we just...try?"

Arthur studies her face, looking into her dark shining eyes and not for the first time, feels that familiar pull in his stomach as he silently thanks God, Fate, and all the stars in the sky for bringing this wonderful woman into his life.

Pulling the lapels of his jacket, Gwen pulls him down to kiss her and then he doesn't think at all anymore and that's okay too.

A/N: Whew! Sorry again friends for the delay but hopefully this is a bit of a filler upper on what's to come. Someone asked how much longer this story will go on for...Hmm...Yeah, good question, I am still pondering on that one :) As always thanks for sticking around, the support and if you get the chance, please drop us a review :)