A/N: Howdy folks! Am back with another update. So many of you were not thrilled about Arthur being weird..yeah sorry BUT there is method to madness so hang in there. Thank you for your support, comments, follows and the interest in my fic. Okay, onward!

Chapter 36: The One With Surprises

Gwen hangs up her phone, crossing the item off her list. Smiling to herself, she looks up and realizes it's almost ten, and hurries to the staffroom for the meeting.

Gwen's POV

Its Arthur's thirtieth birthday in a week and yes…against my better judgment (and Merlin telling me twice that it might not be the best idea) what with Arthur being so busy these days and in and out of the country preparing for their annual meetings, I am throwing him a surprise party. Nothing big – and the timing couldn't be better what with all his mates here in town for the conferences. Just his closest friends, some good food, music, dancing, and silly behaviour. He's been so quiet and stressed out because of work and his father's health…he probably doesn't even feel like celebrating it but I grew up in a home where even though we didn't have a lot of money for expensive gifts or parties, my parents always insisted we celebrate holidays and birthdays. I just want to do something nice for him…Even Merlin relented in the end (thanks to Morgs and her scary persuasion tactics – some of which I'd rather not know about, especially the ones she 'uses' on her man!). The party is at their place this coming Friday. Gwaine has even offered to supply the alcohol and was threatening to stuff his carry-on luggage with all the "decent booze in Ireland" for the event but Merlin sarcastically told him that they have these things in Camelot city called 'liquor shops and supermarkets' where you can go in and buy that sort of thing. I tuned out after Gwaine started in on him. Skype is good like that – you can just minimize one window (or two).

Gwen tunes in as Mrs. Riggs gives a detailed report of her and Gwen's progress with fundraising efforts for the benefit. The meeting is fairly standard and all too soon the principal has wrapped it up and people leave to have some morning tea.

"Alright Gwen?" a friendly voice greets her.

Turning around she sees Jake, the school guidance counselor smiling at her. His shoulder length hair is tied up and he's wearing his usual kaftan styled shirt.

"Hey Jake, how's things?" she asks as he falls into step with her and they reach the tea table.

"Yeah, not bad. Had Bret Jansz back in my office again this morning, but at least he is here. At school, and not out there right?"

Gwen nods and smiles, "Yes, definitely. Bret is a smart kid; he is a natural artist you know?"

"Yeah, and he was pretty stoked that you asked him to lead the school graffiti project. Have I told you that? It was pretty cool…What you did, I mean."

Gwen shrugs, "It was only a suggestion on my part – and doesn't the school look even cooler for it?"

"Sure does", Jake agrees, and then pauses as he moves closer to Gwen so the other teachers can't hear.

"Hey…Have you ever been to the new cafe down the road? They have pretty good food and a live band on Friday nights...We could…go sometime…If you wanted to…?"

Gwen turns to him, smiling kindly, "Jake…I have a boyfriend so I don't think that would be a good idea. Thanks for asking though".

Jake sigs overdramatically and fakes a swoon which makes Gwen giggle. He grins back and she relaxes, knowing that all is well between them.

"Okay well that's cool – figured you wouldn't still be single. Just make sure your boyfriend treats you right or else he'll have me to deal with and my prayer beads", he wiggles his eyebrows in a comical way and then leaves her.

BEEBEEP!

Looking down at her phone she sees a text from Arthur.

From: APendgraon

Thinkng of u. Wish u were here watchn the NYC skyline wth me. Xx

Smiling to herself, she walks back to her classroom.

Arthur rubs his eyes and re-reads the reports as the PI jet takes them home from New York. So far, so good. He is tired, grouchy, and thinking of his bed. Thankfully, Merlin is still asleep snoring loudly with his mouth wide open in a highly unattractive manner so he can't bug him with the tapping, humming, or incessant conversation.

Arthur has a fleeting evil thought of snapping a picture with his phone and then forwarding it to Gwaine who can always be counted on to do something creative and comical with it.

Unfortunately, there is a sudden jolt as they hit a patch of turbulence and this wakes Merlin up so there is no time to do anything except laugh at his clumsiness as he attempts to smooth his mop down and wipe away the drool.

"What's so funny?!" Merlin snaps, rummaging through his jacket pockets and letting out a huge yawn.

Arthur shrugs and puts away his papers, leaning back in his chair.

Merlin looks over at him, and then chucks him a mini Mars bar, before breaking his own open.

They are both quiet as they eat their chocolate, and then Arthur puts his down.

"Merlin…? How did you know that…that you were ready?" he asks slowly, embarrassed.

Merlin stretches out across both seats and takes his time answering.

He has spent the last few days thinking about what he is going to do next, now that he knows Agravaine is in league with that dodgy reporter lady doing something doubly dodgy, but because Gaius has cautioned him to "tread carefully", he is waiting for reinforcements.

Forcing himself to concentrate on what Arthur's talking about…or rather not talking about, he goes for humour.

"Ready for…? Oh my God, you mean…? Are you asking me for 'first time sex advice'? And here I was thinking you haven't needed that sort of thing since you were 15 years old".

Arthur throws his chocolate wrapper at Merlin, causing him to laugh loudly.

"Come on!"

"Okay sorry but you're gonna have to be a bit more specific. My 'read Arthur Pendragon's mind' machine is a bit slow these days – all I have now is 'save-myself-from-Morgana the wedding freak' brain".

"Fine. I meant…with Morgana…How did you know that she was the one? That you were ready to settle down with this person and not…not just…wait a bit?"

Merlin stops grinning and sits up so he is now facing his friend.

"Arthur…what is this really about?"

Arthur shrugs and starts fidgeting with his hands suddenly wishing he'd never raised anything with the all seeing, all talking, and all (so he thinks) knowing Merlin.

"Forget it…I just…Well you know, with things at work being full on and my dad's second surgery tomorrow…I am just wondering if it might be a bit too much for Guinevere to handle..I mean she's got her own career, things she wants to achieve and…I don't know…You know what? Forget I said anything okay?" he turns back to lie down in his chair but Merlin persists.

"Seriously though Arthur…are you sure this is not about you and not Gwen?"

"What do you mean by that?" he asks somewhat sharply.

"Weeeell…as far as I know, she is fine with everything. Except for the fact that you're always busy and you seem to be…kind of avoiding he-"

"I am not! And please don't assume you know what's happening Merlin! Because you don't!"

"Okaaaay…don't bite my head off. I am just trying to hel-"

"Well don't! Sorry I asked, let's just forget it!"

"Okay fine. But…"

"Well go on! Knowing you I won't hear the end of it if you don't get say what you want now."

Silence.

"Merlin…?"

"What? Oh is it finally my turn again? I thought we were back to only hearing you have entire convos with yourself…"

"Okay, I get the point. Please continue Merlin".

"Thank you. What I mean is; you do know your own relationship best Arthur – so you should be able to talk to your girlfriend about these things too. Not just me…That's all I'm saying".

"Fine. Got it. Thanks".

"…Well I could still come down you know? There's no work today…Um…no, I was just…doing some shopping…Arthur that is not true! I do like shopping! Sometimes…No, nothing really special, just stuff…But seriously, I can come down now, meet you at the canteen or come straight up to the surgical unit? Are you sure? Okay well…if you need me, I am only a phone call away. Will you let me know how everything goes? Really? Okay, sure…Later then. Love you…Okay, bye".

Gwen bites her lip and stares at her phone.

Gwen's POV

Don't start. He is worried about his dad. About the second surgery, about what they could find. Yes, so I should be there. With him. Why wouldn't I be? Well..he kind of sounds like he doesn't want anyone around. I know but…You should tell him. I have. Really? Have you told him everything? How you feel about the whole sneaking around thing? Not yet. Why not? Just let him get through this week.

"Alright?" Elyan asks, leaning over the counter.

Nodding, Gwen brings their tea to the lounge table and sits down facing him. He had called her earlier and asked if he could come around to talk. She was glad, it had been a while since they'd had 'brother sister time'.

"Gwennie, I wanted to tell you about this great opportunity that's come up", he begins, eyes shining with enthusiasm.

"You remember Richard and Paddy from my platoon?" he asks, waiting for her nod, before going on.

"Well, Richard's dad has a tradie business down in London and he's getting on a bit, wanting to retire. Richard is an IT guy – terrific with setting up wireless security systems and such, but useless with a toolkit. Thing is, Paddy is already a qualified welder and mechanical genius, and you know I majored in electrical wiring and systems at tech and that was what I did in the army. So…Well, we are planning on buying the old man out and starting a security and electronics firm. I know I haven't been home all that long – its barely a year, and I have a wonderful job with PI, but…This is my dream; to be my own boss, to work with my hands, try my hand at running a business…", he stops talking and looks at his sister.

Gwen moves closer and folds into his arms for a bear hug.

"El I am so proud of you. For making it back. And for doing what you want to do", she finally speaks, her voice muffled as she bites back tears of joy for her brother.

"You're not upset with me for leaving? Or for not talking to you about it first?" he asks anxiously.

"No…This is your dream. You have to go for it, and…if mum and dad were still with us, you know they'd say the same thing".

"You can always come with me you know…I will miss you more than you know little sis".

Gwen smiles and shakes her head lightly.

Elyan grins and hugs her again, "I knew you'd say that. Your life is here – you have people who love you here…and I know I am leaving you in good hands".

"So when do you leave then?", she asks him.

"I have already spoken to Arthur off the record, but asked him not to tell you anything, not until I'd had a good think about it, gone through the business plans and such. But now that it's all settled, I intend to leave after the wedding. So you've still got me around to bug you for a while yet!"

He ruffles her hair and she pulls away from him, playfully sticking her tongue out at him.

"Speaking of Arthur…So are you good with everything for his party on Friday?" he asks, settling back to switch the TV on.

Gwen nods,"Yeah pretty much. Hey El? Do you think…it's a good idea to throw him this party? I mean, do you think he'll appreciate it?"

Her brother throws her a sideways look, momentarily forgetting 'Top Gear'.

"Gwennie, you are doing something nice for your boyfriend. He is a busy guy with lots going on. He loves you – jeez, think how I feel, working with him and having to hear about how wonderful you are all the time! Ha ha! Seriously though, he will love it. Stop worrying okay?"

"Okay, yeah".

Uther takes a sip of his water and waits for the nurse to adjust his pillows and leave before speaking.

"Thank you for being here – both of you…I know you're extremely busy at the office. Arthur…New York?"

Agravaine puts his hand up in protest.

"Uther, you've just had surgery – again. Please do not trouble yourself with work issues. Arthur's trip went well and in good time you may read about it in his trip report. The annual regional conference will begin soon and all is as well as can be expected".

Uther looks at Arthur who nods in agreement and rubs his eyes.

Arthur leans back in his chair and thinks about the events of the day.

Earlier that day….

Arthur sat in his office, having just gotten off the phone with Gwen who had wanted to come and sit with him at the hospital.

Arthur's POV

I said no. You said you didn't need her. I didn't! Well you might've well have. That's how it seems now. To whom? Has anyone said anything? Sigh…Arthur, are you blind as well as ridiculously good looking?! What? I just…well, I haven't told father yet about us, and there are people from PI around here, who knows what they'll say?! Someone might tell him…I want to tell him myself. Really? Yes! Okay then, when?! I don't know…When he doesn't have cancer anymore. When he's not weak…Arthur it's okay to be scared for him, for his future…But don't shut her out. I'm not. No you're not. Exactly. No, I don't agree with you, I am just trying to see what an echo sounds like. It's not bad actually. Can you stop it?! What? Second guessing me. I'm not, I am merely thinking about things in wholes, not halves. You should try it. Shut. It.

He was still thinking about all these things when the knock on his open door startled him. Looking up he saw Marilyn, his PA hovering in the doorway.

"Hi, sorry…Uh, come in", he smiled and gestured her to a chair.

He watched Marilyn fidget for a few moments before asking her if everything was okay.

"Actually, I came to…to give you my resignation Arthur…", Marilyn's voice trembled a little and Arthur frowned and moved around to sit next to her as she laid a piece of paper on his desk.

"Your resignation? Marilyn…? Well…this is quite unexpected, although, I must admit you have been acting a bit different lately. Is there…is there any way I could convince you to stay? Did something happen? Or perhaps myself or Merlin have done something to offend or –"

"No no! Nothing like that Arthur…You've always been a wonderful boss to me…Merlin and the others too. Its…well, as you know, I have always wanted to travel but never really had the money or time…and my mother was sick for a while and now…Well…"

Arthur put a hand over Marilyn's – which hadn't stopped fidgeting since setting foot in his office.

"Marilyn? Is everything alright? You can tell me you know? I would hate to lose a wonderful asset to our team here. You have been with us a long time and…well, we would be lost without you here, me most of all".

His tone is gentle and Marilyn's eyes fill with tears as she shakes her head vehemently.

"Arthur, I have loved working at PI all these years, and watching you grow up into the mature and sound young man you are today. It's just…time for me to move on. Travel, visit friends and family abroad, and start afresh. I've already lodged my paperwork with HR, but I wanted to tell you in person and deliver my letter to your desk first thing today. My mind's made up."

Arthur sighed and smiled grimly as Marilyn reached over and hugged him tightly.

As she walked towards the door to leave, she suddenly turned around and said to him in a quiet but steady tone, "Arthur? If I may give you a little advice?"

He nodded at her, "Please".

She smiled at him fondly, "You make all of us proud Arthur but you must remember to trust your instincts. They will always give you insight about things, places and…people".

With that, she nodded and closed his door leaving Arthur sitting there wondering what she had meant by that statement.

Presently...

"Arthur…?" Uther calls him allowing him to come back to the present time.

He looks up at his father, still weak but at least coherent. Agravaine looks at him with raised eyebrows.

Arthur shakes his head and sits up straighter.

"Sorry…Uh Father, Marilyn resigned this morning".

"Resigned?! Marilyn? Why? I hope you convinced her to stay on! Arthur I swear, that woman runs your department singlehandedly", Uther frowns, not even trying to hide his surprise.

Arthur nods, "I know and I was as shocked as you. I asked her if there was something I could do, and I did ask her if she would reconsider but she told me she needed a fresh start somewhere. Her mind was made up so that's that…unfortunately", he explained.

Agravaine hides a smirk behind his hand, and then clearing his throat, shrugs.

"What a pity Arthur, I know she has been with PI for many years. But…you know, she is still young enough to try new things", he drawls consolingly as Uther nods slowly, lying back down in his bed.

Thank goodness the silly cow has left. I didn't see that coming, Agravaine thinks to himself. Just as well I spoke to her again last week to remind her about the consequences of her telling someone. Not that it matters much, she outlived her usefulness anyway and if things are going the way I believe they will now, it's time to kick this plan into gear.

"Arthur and Agravaine, I won't know about my results 'til the end of the week at least but…the reason I called you here is to tell you that, even if the cancer…comes back, I will still be back, and will resume my duties-as well as I can but…Arthur?", he pauses and turns towards his son, swallowing the lump forming in his throat.

"Son…for so long I have kept you on a tight leash because…well because I felt you needed more time but I see that in doing so, it prevented me from seeing how well you've done and more so since I left. Therefore…if all goes to plan, and there are no serious fuck ups (pardon my language) in the foreseeable future, and you continue on this path, you will be soon ready to take over from me, and I – and your uncle, are committed to ensuring this happens soon- within the next two years soon".

Arthur looks at his father who is smiling and nodding, then his uncle who also nods, although slower and not as enthusiastic it seems.

"Father I…? Are you sure that I am ready?" he asks slowly.

Uther nods and lies back down, clearly exhausted.

"Yes, no more mollycoddling. You are ready. Now, both of you please get out of here so I can get some rest".

Grinning, Arthur squeezes his father's shoulder and gets up, following his uncle out of the room.

Arthur's POV

I am happy…you should be. I am…This is what I've waited to hear – that he thinks I can do this. That I can be ready to take over someday soon, with his help…But…But? I feel like…like I could still let him down...Well, life is like that; you can't have everything, neither can he. I don't want him to be sick...No of course not, he's your dad after all. Wait, what does that mean? It means you should still be able to live the life you want. Can I? Can someone in my position truly ever do that? You shouldn't shut your girlfriend out. Gwen deserves better. I know she does. So do you. Yeah, I guess…

Arthur looks at his watch; he knows he can still meet up with Gwen and get something to eat, maybe back at his place. He wants to be with her, so he calls her.

He is just hanging up the phone and still smiling at something she's said when he feels someone touching his shoulder.

"Arthur my boy, might I have a quick word?" Agravaine drawls, inclining his head towards the sofa.

Arthur sits down and waits for his uncle to speak.

"Well...you and I certainly have our work cut out for us don't we? I must say…your father certainly has high hopes for you and the future of this company…" he lets his words take effect.

Arthur nods slowly, "Yes…I am ready – I think..." his voice trails off.

Agravaine leans closer towards him, "You mustn't think about it Arthur, you either are or you aren't! You know that this means a whole new level of responsibility, status, and…priorities. And I don't just mean the in an official capacity either".

Arthur frowns, "I get that Uncle, but…my life should not be on trial or on a pedestal here. I am just a man, after all – who has a life outside of work too. Surely that will be the same?"

Agravaine smiles and gives him a serious look, "Arthur…you and I both know that once you take up that office, your life – private and public will never be the same again. You have to ask yourself how much you are willing to forgo to do this. I…hear things…about a certain lady you are keeping company with?"

Arthur looks at him sharply, "What have you heard? I can assure you well enough that it's nothing tawdry Uncle. We're very happy together and she's a lovely girl who-"

"I'm sure she's lovely Arthur, I don't doubt it. But…will you really be able to have the life you are destined for with someone so…different? I hate to say these things to you Son, because I know what it's like – I was young once too, but how will she - or you cope? You need to ask yourself these hard questions. If you cannot, then you know what you must do".

He gives Arthur an apologetic look and patting his arm, gets up and walks away.

For the second time today, Arthur Pendragon is left alone to ponder the thoughts crashing through his brain.

Arthur had been quiet all evening, something he'd been a lot of lately. They had eaten pasta, talked about Uther's results, Elyan and Marilyn leaving the company, a bit about the benefit plans, and how Merlin was threatening to move in with Arthur because wedding fever had taken over his house and kidnapped his fiancée.

Gwen finishes brushing her teeth and then switching off the light, makes her way into Arthur's bedroom where he is lying in bed, but has already switching his laptop on. He puts it aside when he sees her and smiles sheepishly.

"Working…now?" she asks as she climbs in next to him, moving closer towards him as he puts his arm around her.

He looks down at her apologetically, "Sorry…I won't be long, I just need to send some documents before the regional meetings start tomorrow…".

Gwen smiles at him, and kisses his bare shoulder as she leans against him.

"It's okay…I am just so happy we're together right now. I know you're busy and it's been crazy with the benefit but I feel like it's been so long since we've had some time alone…Don't you think so?"

Arthur nods and smiles down at her, kissing her lips, but moving swiftly away as she tries to deepen the kiss, before reaching for his laptop.

"I'll just go into my office for a bit okay? So you can get some beauty sleep", he offers, already getting up with the computer.

"I'll see you in a bit, promise", he calls over his shoulder, trying not to sound as guilty as he feels. He saw the look of regret when he turned away from her.

Gwen nods at his retreating back and then she rolls over, biting down on her confusion as he switches the light off on his way out.

Meanwhile, downtown at a dingy pub that Gwaine obviously picked…

"Sooo is there a reason you sent us a weird text to meet you in some dodgy looking place that I am sure your fellow countryman – yes Gwaine, I am looking at you, suggested we all meet up in at such a late hour?"

Lancelot asks the question the rest of the group have already asked him. Ten times.

Gwaine grins and raises his glass, already making eye contact with two ladies in the corner smiling back at him.

Merlin bites down on a smart reply, thinking that, perhaps his choice of 'reinforcements' was a tad optimistic at this rate.

Leon, Percival, and Elyan return from the bar and take a seat across from him, Gwaine and Lancelot.

"I asked you all to come tonight because…well we all know that something weird has been going on at PI since Agravaine happened on the scene and-"

"'Something weird'? Uh, understatement! That man is as dodgy as Lance Armstrong rocking up to an anti-steroids convention!" Gwaine interjects loudly.

Elyan nods in agreement, "Agree. Okay, so…Merlin what aren't you telling us?"

Merlin sighs, then tells them about what he and Gaius have suspected all along, and that they know Agravaine has been using Arthur's PA to get inside info, and the stunt he pulled a couple of weeks ago at the press conference and his connection to Jena Harders and her newspaper.

Percival lets out a low whistle and looks at his friend in surprise.

"Merlin…that's a lot of stuff to be going on all at once. What is he playing at?" he asks.

Merlin shrugs and leans closer towards his friends.

"That's why you all are here. We – Gaius and I are too close; I know he is watching us and is always on his best behavior when either of us is around. We need more info so-"

Lancelot cuts him off, "We go after his contacts. Like Marilyn and whoever else he's using".

"Exactly. I guess you will hear tomorrow, but, well Marilyn quit today. Either she was coerced by Agravaine cos of what he has on her or…maybe she just had enough. Either way, we need to talk to her, maybe she will finally be able to fess up now that she's left the organization…And-"

"Eureka!" Gwaine exclaims excitedly, elbowing Leon hard in the eye at the same time.

"Ow! Gwaine! Please don't take my eye out, I kind of need it to see what sort of food I cook", he complains, as he rubs his eye.

"Sorry mate", Gwaine replies cheerfully, "Here's what I reckon; while you gang are checking out Marilyn, someone should get in with that reporter lady…What sort of info do you think Agravaine's been feeding 'er? More importantly, what are they gonna do with it? I think it's pretty obvious what I need to do then isn't it?"

He pauses for effect and drains his glass while the others look at each other and shrug.

"Uh…Maybe go back to drinking pale ale instead of stout the day before a big meeting?" Merlin asks sarcastically, wishing he'd just asked them to meet at his house. At least there Morgana controlled the alcohol cupboard and even Gwaine couldn't sway her with his charms.

Gwaine wipes his mouth and grins broadly, "No you feckin' eejits! Undercover! I meant I am volunteering to go undercover and find out what the reporter is doing with the dodgy uncle!"

Elyan nods, "It's not a bad idea Merlin…Oh come on, he couldn't do much worse than the rest of us could he? Plus…you've said so yourself…Think of what we could find out?"

Gwaine nods enthusiastically, "Yep, that's right lads; the 'ladies man' of this group is about to get some answers".

His friends choke back their laughter and Leon rolls his eyes good naturedly.

"What?! That's what they all call me!" Gwaine protests.

"Er no….that's actually what you call yourself…"

"M'eh; tomato tomaytoe.."

"Right, getting back to the matter at hand", Merlin interrupts.

"Wait, what about Arthur? What do we say to him? I mean, does he really not know that something could be going on with his company right under his nose?" Lancelot asks Merlin quietly.

Merlin shrugs, "I don't think so. Arthur is up to here with everything, plus his dad being ill…It's not something I care to share with him now, not while we don't know much. So…are we all in? We need to do more digging into his businesses too…You never know.."

They all nod their heads in agreement and clink their glasses.

"Gwaine?"

"Yes Percy?"

"Please don't be yourself and screw up!"

"Mate, I am like Ireland's answer to James Bond alright?! You've got nothing to worry about."

"Uh Gwaine…?"

"Yeah Leon?"

"Ireland's already had a James Bond…"

"Well…Oh sod off El! Brosnan doesn't count – he hasn't lived there for donkey's years!"

Merlin joins in the laughter and settles back as the boys order another round.

Finally they are going to get some answers.

A/N: K so…things are happening; Elyan's moving on, Aggy is still around (sorry folks, don't worry – I do have a plan for him), 'the boys are back in town' (sorry…excuse the song lyrics) – including Lancelot ;) Thanks once again for the follows, faves, reviews, and support; it's awesome! xx IslandGem