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 good ol' Uncle Aggy doing what he does best, some angst, some fluffy puppy (and borderline PG13) stuff, Arthur being...well I'll just shut up and let you get on with it.

AN: Italics denote POV and Real Time is in normal font so I hope it doesn't get too confusing. Thank you all for the alerts, favourites and reviews. I apologise for the lateness in the update. I was travelling and then came back and yeah...life happened. Cheers for being patient folks!

Chapter 37: The One With Promises

Gwen stifles a yawn and tries to focus on what Morgana is talking about. The regional PI management conference function is in full swing, and since Sophie is away, Elyan has invited her as his date for the evening. Morgana is here with Merlin and Arthur…well her boyfriend is here alone. Somewhere, amongst this large crowd of suits and expensive cocktail dresses, networking…talking shop.

They've spoken briefly tonight. He had pulled her into a corner near the restrooms and kissed her, telling her she looked lovely in her dress. He had held her hand and told her he was sorry they couldn't spend time together because he had some clients here and he had to talk shop or something like that. Then he was gone, and she was with her friends – and their dates. She is happy that she can spend time with Elyan before he moves to London and she knows that it should be okay…

Gwen's POV

He's just not…around…Literally (and emotionally). Come on, that's not fair. He's got so much on his plate. His dad..The company..This conference..So do you! The benefit is coming up soon. You are busy but you make time. How long are you going to do this hiding and dating the scenes thing? It's not like he's Prince Harry and you're the barmaid at the closest bar to the barracks! Gee…thanks…No more stalling. Talk to him about it! Yes. I will! Just…not now. Why? Why not now? Because…Just not now.

She tries to focus on what her friend is saying about the wedding instead. That was happening soon too. Morgs and Merlin (well secretly, everyone knows it's the first M calling the shots and the second M being a bit scared and therefore intelligent enough to let it be) aren't so fussed about traditional details and waiting for ages. A very efficient wedding planner had been hired the day after "The profiterole proposal" (as Gwaine jokingly labeled it) and they were getting married in two month's time at a seaside inn. The dress and bridesmaids outfits were sorted, as were the groom and his party's outfits – Arthur had told her how Merlin was practically in tears after Morgana had put a stop to his idea of wearing an electric blue suit and purple suede boots. Gwen, Alice, Elena, and Hunith – Merlin's mum are putting together the favours and table settings themselves.

"What about your mum Morgs?" Gwen asks softly and watches as Morgana's green eyes cloud for a second before she shrugs slightly.

"Well…I sent her an invite…and then called her last week to check and…Well you know Fiona? She said she received it and she offered her congratulations and said if she and Hubby No.4 were not too busy with his polo engagements that they'd swing by, " her voice sounds light and casual, but Gwen knows better.

She sighs and pats her friend's arm sympathetically, smiling at her.

"So she may not even come to her own daughter's wedding? Oh sweetie…", Gwen can't help feeling a bit guilty. Here she is whining about herself and she hasn't even thought about how her best friend must be feeling about her neglectful mother. Fiona Le Fay had always been that way and almost thirty years later, she still had the power to make Morgana feel the sting.

Elyan who had been quietly scoffing down canapés and nursing a beer bottle puts his arm around Morgana and pulls her closer towards him.

"We will be there for you on your big day Morgs and we are here now", he states firmly.

Morgana looks up at him and smiles gratefully.

"I know. You guys have always been there for me. That's why I asked you to stand in…for my dad El. And to give me away".

Elyan smiles and her and kisses her cheek.

"And it would be my honour Morgs. Your dad would've been proud of you. Merlin is a good man and he will make you happy. Well he'd better. If not, I might have to test out that new cricket bat you got me for my birthday last year..Joking! Only joking" he adds when he sees the look Gwen throws him.

"Well…if you ladies will excuse me, I'm wanted at the bar", he turns to leave.

Morgana rolls her eyes at Gwen who grins back.

"Yeah okay, you don't have to speak in code. We know that means 'have a drink with the boys' El", Gwen jokes.

Elyan pauses and shakes his head, "Er…yeah, that's what I meant. A drink with the boys".

He smiles and walks off.

Gwen and Morgana watch him talking quietly at the corner of the large bar with Percival, Lancelot, Merlin, and Gwaine. Merlin seems to be disagreeing with something Gwaine has said. None of them are drinking anything though.

Morgana frowns slightly and raises her eyebrow at Gwen who shrugs.

"Yeah…they met up yesterday too. It was pretty late when Merlin got back. I was already asleep. I wonder what they're up too…", Morgana muses before looking back at Gwen and catches her looking over at Arthur who is talking animatedly with a bunch of old men in tuxes. Or rather, trying not to look as if she is.

Morgana clears her throat.

"So…I take it…as far as all the bigwigs here know you are only Elyan Leodegrance's baby sister..?" she asks dryly.

It is enough for Gwen to turn back and shrug indifferently before taking a sip of her wine.

"It's been…a busy couple of weeks Morgs.." she offers.

Morgana snorts into her own glass.

"A busy couple of months more like it", she mutters.

Gwen sighs in frustration and almost glares at her.

"Morgs…! Not here..Not now.." her voice trails off when she sees her friend's green eyes widen in surprise at her response.

Struggling to sound calmer than she feels and knowing that Morgana will press it if she can see how agitated she really feels, Gwen takes a deep breath before speaking again.

"I mean…I know..You're not saying anything I haven't already said to myself. But…we will talk. I want to…Just not yet. Okay? So please…let's not talk about it here". She smiles faintly at her friend and thankfully Morgana lets it go by giving her a nod and then changes the subject to talk about the surprise birthday party tomorrow night.

Gwen half listens and tries not to watch as Arthur moves around the room greeting people and her heart, which she was so sure couldn't ever doubt the solidity of their relationship begins to sink ever so slightly as she notices how he speaks to people and how they respond to him. He commands the room and his audience. It's almost like…well watching a younger, less scary Uther Pendragon in action.

Gwen's POV

This is his world…So? So…do I..? How can I..? Guinevere Marie Leodegrance stop right now. You're upset. You're stressed…And possibly overdramatic. Am I? Look at him. So? Look at me…Oh shut up and give yourself a break. You need to be sensible and talk to him. Yes! I get it! Do you? Really? Yes…

"Wow…You look amazing Gwen", a voice exclaims near her. Turning slightly she notices Lancelot standing in front of her smiling broadly.

Trying not to blush she shakes her head and gestures down to her dress.

"Stop it…Do you think anyone notices that my dress is an off-the-rack item from a nationwide chain?" she quips.

He grins and joins her as Morgana tells the two of them she is off to check on Merlin and make sure Gwaine hasn't worked out a way for them to stay glued to the bar.

"Would you really care if they did?" he asks handing her another glass of wine after the waiter moves on.

She shakes her head and clinks her new glass with his.

"No, not really", she says and they both laugh and chat for a bit.

Gwen looks back in Arthur's direction and watches as he greets a very attractive brunette wearing a lovely emerald green strapless dress. Arthur's laughter and charming voice can be heard all the way here and Gwen doesn't miss the way the young woman looks totally engaged in what he is saying. They obviously know each other from somewhere else, and seem at ease with each other here.

Lancelot stops talking as he notices Gwen's expression change from relaxed to stiff and he follows her gaze.

"Have you seen the sculptures?" he asks her.

She focuses her attention back to him and plasters a smile on her face.

The function is being held at the Camelot Fine Arts Museum and the current exhibition consists of iron sculptures which are being displayed in the extensive gardens outside.

"No I haven't. I'd love to see them though. Shall we?"

Nodding he lets her lead them out.

Agravaine, who is standing with Arthur by this time, notices them leaving and makes a quiet remark to Arthur.

"Well it's nice to see Lancelot having fun isn't it Arthur? That man works much too hard – just like you".

Arthur looks up in the direction Agravaine is facing and notices Gwen leading Lancelot towards the exit. He frowns for half a moment as a fleeting guilty thought that his lovely girlfriend is here and he hasn't even had a chance to be with her, before one of the senior executives talks about the merger and he has to focus on the conversation at hand.

He mentally promises himself he will talk to her soon enough.

Agravaine smiles and moves off, towards the restrooms, pulling out his cell phone.

Gwen and Lancelot walk around and check out the sculptures. Some of them are lovely, some are odd, and some they just don't get. Eventually they end up standing in an alcove overlooking the garden and finish their drinks.

"So…how are you? I mean…since Arthur's dad went to hospital and…Well, I noticed tonight and the other day when we all had brunch…you seemed kind of…down", Lancelot says, looking at Gwen as she leans against the railing.

Sighing she smiles at him, "Everything's fine with me…I mean, work is busy. We have our school's anniversary benefit coming up soon so that takes up most of my time. But…I guess, I worry about Arthur..about how he's doing…Sorry, I mean…It's not that there's anything to worry about – I mean, not about us, but…Okay..I sound weird don't I?"

Lancelot smiles and shakes his head.

"No…Just worried – for him. That's normal. When we care about people, we worry and sometimes, it's good to talk to others about it..If that's something you want to do..I mean, I know I am not here all the time like El or Morgana but…you can talk to me about…stuff. Arthur is my boss…and we're friends too but…so are you and I and I like to think you lead me to him. Okay, that totally sounded like a line from a Julia Roberts movie but you get the picture right?"

Gwen laughs at that comment and nods her head.

She reaches out and touches his arm.

"Thanks Lance…I am glad you're here. I've missed talking to you".

He grins and pulls her in for a hug.

"Anytime Gwen. Now come on, Arthur may be busy with his function but…I bet you he's already noticed you're not around and soon will be discretely looking around for you".

Gwen pulls away and gives him a doubtful look.

"Look Gwen…You may think that Arthur doesn't care about making things work between you two but…trust me, he does. You just need to talk to him - again".

Nodding at him, this time she follows him back into the reception room to join the others.

They don't see or hear the clicks from a long lens hidden in the shrubbery in the museum gardens.

Arthur's Surprise Birhday, present day...

"Okay guys! He's on his way! Five minutes and he'll be here. Merlin you'd better get out there and wait. Don't give me that look! Just give him the lines you rehearsed and he won't suspect anything. Merlin Go!"

Gwen is a little frazzled. Everything's ready. Everyone's here. She just hopes he's in a better mood today than last night.

She thinks back to the conversation they'd had later when they'd met up at at Elena and Leon's bistro for a late dinner with the others.

The previous night, after the PI function….

Standing on the waterfront dining area looking out at the lights in the distance, for a brief moment Gwen felt like nothing had changed in the last few months between them.

"Guinevere…I wish we could stand like this forever.." Arthur's voice was slightly muffled as he buried his face in her curls, breathing in that scent he loved. His arms enfolding her and she had leant back into the embrace.

"I know", she half sighs.

Eventually, she turned around so she was facing him and he grabbed her hands, kissing her palms slowly.

"What say you and I make up some half hearted attempt excuse about being tired and leave? Go back to yours and-"

"Arthur we need to talk", Gwen blurted out the sentence and he stopped kissing her hands and moved back a bit to look at her.

"Okaaaay…Wait. You mean…now?" he sounded slightly confused but seeing the serious look on her face, straightened up and stood next to her.

"I just…I know things have been hectic and since you found out about your father…You've been so busy and so have I but…Arthur…I don't want to feel like…like we're being dishonest and tonight…I don't know..It made me uncomfortable".

He nodded slowly and took his time answering.

"Guinevere…I know we discussed this – even before I found out about my dad's condition..The whole needing to be discreet thing…and now…well you know what he's said about my taking over soon. Its just..there's so much going on.. But I don't want you to be uncomfortable and you know you are not some passing fancy. I want this…I want us. But –"

"Arthur…I know that. I get the discreet thing. What I don't like is that your father is still in the dark about us…You said yourself that your relationship is better now. That at least you've gotten to spend time with him these past few months and with work sorting itself out, I don't know…Why can't we tell him?"

Arthur let out a sigh of irritation and ran a hand through his hair. Gwen could tell he was uncomfortable with the conversation.

"Guinevere…I will..It's just…I am waiting for the right time. You're right…If we want to do this properly then of course I have to tell him but…well we haven't gotten his results back yet and…please just…trust me. Okay?"

Gwen sighed, and paused before looking at him and seeing his expression; she smiled and then reached for his hand. He grabbed it and pulled her towards him, kissing her softly.

She responded to the kiss and pulled him closer.

"Fine Pendragon. But…don't leave it too long. Please?"she relented, trying to sound tougher than she actually felt while he continued to kiss her along her neckline now.

"Oi! This is a respectable place! Get a room!" Gwaine's voice was loud (and annoying) enough to stop Arthur and he grinned sheepishly as Gwen flushed.

"So…next week's the benefit. I heard my father saying he wants to be there as well. He's been cleared for it by his doctor so that's good. And I of course, will be there playing the loving, supportive boyfriend of course. I will tell him soon Guinevere. I promise", Arthur wrapped his arm around her shoulder and nudged her.

Gwen smiled at him and nodded.

Kissing her one last time, he moved over to where Gwaine and Merlin are already arguing about what pizza toppings to get.

Gwen's POV

Well at least we've talked about it. Riiight…That's what constitutes a talk? Well it was…For a bit…Yeah until he stopped it. He did not. Okay he didn't. It'll be fine. We can do this. I can do this.

Arthur's Surprise Birhday, present day...

"Gwen?!"

She is jolted out of her thoughts back into the present when she hears Morgana whispering loudly at her to get down. Arthur must be here.

She crouches down in front of the kitchen counter and listens as Merlin and Arthur walk into the house arguing loudly about who should host the Star Trek marathon since Hulu are offering free episodes in honour of Patrick Stewart's birthday.

Gwaine, who is huddled next to Gwen, snorts and can't resist making a comment.

"They are perfect for each other. You and Morgs are wasted on those two gits". He is rewarded by a sharp jab in the ribs by Gwen and he falls silent.

The doors open and both men fall silent.

"Merlin…? Why are all the lights off? Where is Morgana? Don't tell me…You've spent all your money on the wedding, the power company have cut your electricity off and this is your overdramatic way of telling me you need a loan to tide you over-"

Everyone jumps up as Leon switches the lights back on and shouts.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

Arthur looks shocked for a split second then starts laughing as everyone joins in. He turns and punches Merlin in the arm.

"Owww! Arthur…pleeease don't use all of your strength on those friendly punches of yours!" he grimaces, rubbing his shoulder.

Arthur guffaws and moves away from Merlin to greet his friends.

"Merlin that wasn't all my strength. You just need to come to the terms with the fact that you're a weakling", he remarks over his shoulder.

Merlin glowers at his retreating back.

"Thirty years on and he is still a dollop head".

"So have I mentioned how amazing you are Guinevere?"

Arthur calls out to her as he pulls his singlet off and gets into Gwen's bed.

She is still in the bathroom and he hears her laugh before responding.

"Once or twice. Really though…this was from all of us. We wanted you to have a nice evening…I hope you had a good time."

"Tonight was really unexpected and very cool. Don't tell him this but…Gwaine's special punch was actually drinkable and I know I won't be walking around tomorrow feeling like I can't open my eyes for longer than two seconds. Did you see Merlin? Pretending he didn't know all the words to that Taylor Smith song…what was it? 'Twenty Two' or something totally idiotic like that? He doesn't know your brother and Percy took a video of it and it's probably already on YouTube as we speak."

Gwen walks into the room, wearing a pale blue silk robe he's never seen her wearing before, and her hair is down, all curly and unruly. Just the way he loves it.

He watches as she walks over to the bed and grins in surprise when she straddles him.

Laughing again, she bends down and kisses him lightly.

"Yes, the punch was harmless. You lot have meetings this month so no point getting smashed the first week your mates are all in town is there? Oh and FYI, its Taylor Swift. We were all hoping you had a great night though..I mean..it's been so busy lately and I did want to do something for your birthday – thirty is a milestone Arthur…So it had to be special".

Arthur kisses her fingers and looks up at her.

"Mmm…yes it is…But it's also halfway to sixty…God…Now there's a scary thought. And for the record, I had a wonderful time. Thank you for the fantastic gift Guinevere. Really..", he tries to pull her down towards him again but she restrains him with one hand.

"Weeell the party was a joint present. I still have to give you mine actually..", she replies, somewhat coyly.

Arthur raises an eyebrow and looks around the room expectantly.

Shaking her head, she bites her lip and suddenly feels a bit shy. Then, she pushes aside one side of the robe and he can see the strap of what looks like a plum coloured bra strap.

He whoops, then grins and pumps his hand in the air as Gwen rolls her eyes.

"Wow…If this is what happens when it's my birthday, I wonder what I'll 'get' at Christmas time", he quips before he pulls her down and she giggles as he rolls her over so he is now on top.

"But seriously Guinevere…You are amazing and…all mine", he murmurs as he kisses her slowly.

And there's no more talking after that.

A week later at the school benefit….

"What? Oh Arthur…really?! No one else can attend for you? Yes he's already here. In the library doing a tour with the principal and other guests. Not even for ten minutes…No. No! No I 'm not yelling, I just…I get it. Yes. So you've said. No, I understand. Sure. Okay then. Okay…Bye.."

Gwen sighs and puts her phone in her pocket, biting down on her bottom lip she shakes her head.

Gwen's POV

You know, looking at a silent phone will not help you stave off the tears. Nope, this is not a crying matter. I'm just…annoyed. Oh come on, be honest with yourself for goodness sake. Okay fine, I am pissed! I seem to be making excuse after excuse for him and for what?! He has barely seen you since his birthday, nor has he contacted much…and you know he hasn't told his dad about you two…Gwen…calm down. Calm down?! You just told me to let it all out and now you tell me to calm down?! No…let it all out but…think about what you're saying. About why you're saying it. I love him…I do..But? But…I wonder…Geez I spend so much time wondering I don't know anymore. Oh crap, there's Mrs. Riggs…I'd better go. No point thinking about it now, I have a job to do here.

"…And it is with great pleasure that I invite our special guest today Mr. Uther Pendragon to come up and say a few words before we open the newly refurbished Arts and Crafts Centre. Please welcome Mr. Pendragon everyone", the school principal claps her hands and the crowd joins in.

Gwen is standing near the back with other staff members and watches as Uther walks stiffly to the front. She also notices Agravaine moving to stand behind him and she grimaces inwardly.

She also spots Lancelot standing with Gaius and she gives them a discreet wave before tuning in to what Uther is saying.

"…on behalf of my son Arthur Pendragon who sends his deepest apologies for being away today. We are extremely proud to be associated with an institution such as The Camelot Central Learning Centre which has been serving the local communities in our city for the past thirty years. This place is also special to my family because…well, my late wife Ygraine Du Bois-Pendragon was friends with the founding principal the late Mrs. Carol Downer. They…shared many common interests and when Carol came to her with a proposal to start a school in her old neighbourhood, Ygraine didn't hesitate to get it up and running. She was a very talented sculptor and painter and it was her idea to turn the old corner shed into an Arts & Crafts Centre for the local kids. She would come here every day to oversee the renovations and even taught for awhile. Before she….passed away, she made a promise that she-and I would continue to support this worthy cause. Therefore, I am honoured to be here to share in this event with all of you, and I would like to encourage the school, the board, the students, faculty, and this community to continue to use and maintain this centre for future generations to come. Thank you".

Unexpectedly, Gwen can feel a lump forming in her throat after he finishes his brief speech. She could see the sadness etched on his face as he talked about his wife and her work at this school. She thinks of Arthur and how he might've felt if he'd been here. She lets out a sigh of frustration and shakes away thoughts of him.

A few moments after hanging up the phone with Gwen…

Arthur stares down at his phone then puts it back on the table.

Arthur's POV

Shit! Shit! Shit! Why don't you just add an "I am a" in front of that word eh? What? Why? You know why. Oh give it up. This is work. This is what CEOs of global companies do. They work. All the time. This is my life now. If I am going to be running this company in-blah blah blah. Monologue time. Don't be rude. No sorry, its time to face facts. Question: You told Gwen you would be there today for their benefit. Yes? Yes I did. Question: You did not go. Yes? Yes…Question: Instead you are going to attend a business lunch meeting that – (weirdly enough, your uncle arranged without telling you) which you could have rescheduled for later no? Yes but- No…Just be honest. You are acting like a first class prat right now with your girlfriend and she's probably – no scratch that, very likely is mad at you. I know…I feel horrible. Yeah well you need to tell your dad. Be a man! I will! I am telling him tomorrow. The Charity ball is tomorrow night so it all works out. He can't stop me from being with her...It'll be great. It'll all…be great. I can still go…Go where? To the fundraiser. When? After this! I can…This is just a lunch meeting. It won't take forever. Riiiight…Okay then. Oh crap! She's here.

He stands up to greet the person as they walk over to his table.

"Arthur! It's so nice of you to take this meeting with me today at short notice. Your uncle Agravaine insisted that you would be here so I decided to chance it", she offers up her cheek for him to kiss before he pulls the chair out for her to sit.

"Mithian Ross we have known each other a long time, there is no need to apologise. We needed to talk more about the partnership agreement at some point soon any way", Arthur answers with a polite smile.

From across the road, seated in a nondescript car, a reporter and photographer sit and watch the whole scene.

A/N: Please don't maim me for making Arthur a...(fill your own space). He's human...so yeah, he will do something silly BUT to be fair to him, his uncle is kind of helping him along in his FAIL so...Cheers for reading and please let me know what y'all think. Oh and in case any of you are Law&Order UK fans, I've written something on that page here on FFnet called 'The Unconventional Likeness of Love (and everything in between)" and let me know what you think. Okay, shameless self-plugging over. Next chapter will be up soon :)