A/N: Thanks guys for the reviews, faves, and follows. I love getting msgs from people who've just found the story too, that's the cool thing about FF - there's so much stuff to read out there! Lovin' all the comments and I take note of all the Arthur angst right now. Sorry...I love him too but...yeah :) Special shout out to Sherri who also took time to read my Law&Order UK fic - you're right, not too many reviews in general in that fandom which is sad 'cos there are some really good fics on it :) Hope y'all enjoy the update :)

Chapter 38: The One With Reactions

Later the same day, at the school benefit…

Arthur sprints from the car towards the field where the booths and stage are set up. The whole school looks really nicely decorated and there are so many people. He can see Gaius and Alice standing with Elyan, Sophie, and Morgana. Near the food tents, Lancelot is laughing at Merlin who's trying to stuff a whole candy apple into his mouth. They are all watching the student's performances on the stage.

Arthur scans the crowd, looking for Gwen and then spots her standing on the side of the stage with some other teachers.

"…She's a very cool lady who can dance a mean robot, tell funny jokes, and yeah, she's a pretty good teacher too. So we'd like to ask Ms Gwen to come up here and show us how it's done yeah?!" a young man is speaking into the microphone and gesturing over to a very embarrassed Gwen to join them. The crowd starts to chant as Gwen protests and laughing, she finally walks up to the stage to join him and other kids.

He hands her a guitar and gestures towards a free microphone and a stool for her to sit on next to where he is standing, and turns back to the band, giving them a nod.

Arthur watches her smile, and talk quietly to the boy and the other musicians. He feels a sudden swell of pride as he notices the way they all look at her. She's clearly a well liked teacher here.

Laughing she speaks softly into the microphone.

"Okay guys…Now I know I lost the bet last week when I said if all of you passed the test I would sing at the benefit, but I didn't think you would actually remember! This one's called "Betty"; sing along if you know it.

Gwen starts to strum the guitar and the other band members join in then she sings the song.

You got a quick snap-lock on your cold, cold heart
You got your Y.S.L. kicks and a red birthmark
In the shape of Canada
That you try to keep a secret

You got a quick clack walk and a cold hard stare
And if your eyes could talk they'd say they just don't care
Before they wander off
To hide inside their sockets

You've got your scars and you've got your birthmarks
You've got Toronto hiding on your hip, honey
You've got your secrets
You've got your regrets
Darling, we all do

You got a fool-proof plan for a lonely life
You won't be no one's daughter and no drunk man's wife
If a wife at all
It's a silly institution
Or so you keep insisting

You've got your scars and you've got your birthmarks
You've got Toronto hiding on your hip, honey
You've got your secrets
You've got your regrets
Darling, we all do

You're cool coy, 'bout to stroll, very hip
It's you that's hidden by the expectations
We want to see you, won't you show us where to start?
You're talking trash with your red liquor lips
It's you that fickle in the conversation
Sweet Betty, won't you show us who you are?

You've got your scars and you've got your birthmarks
You've got Toronto hiding on your hip, honey
You've got your secrets
You've got your regrets
Darling, we all do

You've got a quick snap-lock on your cold, cold heart

As he watches Gwen and the young man sing and as he listens to the lyrics, Arthur suddenly feels his stomach churn.

Arthur's POV

I've been so-Stupid? Idiotic? Selfish? Prick-ish? Pricki-sh? That's not even a word. And I was actually going for 'blind' but I am sensing you've been keeping these adjectives in the brain somewhere to drag out at some point haven't you? Weeeell…No don't answer that! How could I have been so caught up that I didn't notice that Guinevere is feeling lost and confused about what we're doing? I'm so proud of her. She's doing what she wants to and she obviously loves her job and the kids. She's an amazing person and I am lucky to have her in my life…She could be with anyone and she chose me. That's right. And I am screwing that up! Also right. Shit! I need to get my shit together! Well, I am having breakfast with Father tomorrow so whatever happens, I am telling him there. And tomorrow night is the Mayor's Charity Ball, Gwen and I are going together…For the first time out in public. Sigh…Wow…she sounds amazing! Her voice…and she can play guitar really well..That's my Guinevere…She's beautiful…Just beautiful.

An hour later Arthur finds her stacking supplies back in the auditorium. He grabs a box and puts it next to the one she's just carried in.

She stops and looks at him before going back to her job.

Arthur leans back against the wall and looks at her.

"Guinevere…"

He doesn't get an answer, just noise from the boxes.

"You did a great job today…The fundraising drive seems to have gone really well…You and Mrs. Riggs must be a good team…"

More box white noise.

"You sang and played…amazingly! I finally got to see you and…"

Nothing.

He stands up and moves closer, holding his hands up as if in surrender.

"Okay…I know that I'm-"

"A dick?" she replies hotly, then goes back to stacking boxes.

Arthur grimaces and reaches out; pulling her hands off the box so she stops and faces him.

"Yes…I am. And it's not on. I haven't been the best boyfriend in a while and I am sorry…Really, really sorry! Yeah life is busy with work and it got even crazier with Dad being sick but…You and I are the real deal and its time I made it properly – the deal. I know it's been hard on you and I hate that I made you feel that…that you don't matter. You were right; I should be honest with my dad about us. And me not being here today…that's not the guy I want to be. Not with you. This probably doesn't mean much, and I owe you a year's worth of flowers-

"-And ballet tickets, concert tickets, and Premiership seats", Gwen cuts in while she stands with her arms crossed.

"-Ballet tickets, concert tickets, and football tickets too, got it. I know…So…if you're not still ready to chuck me, would you do me the honour of sticking around and being my partner in crime? Guinevere…I want you in my life…Please forgive me?"

Gwen sighs inwardly and then stares at Arthur, studying his face and then she sees the sincerity in his eyes. She nods slowly but moves back a bit.

"When will you be telling your Dad Arthur? You know it's not fair on him for us to just rock up to the Ball in front of everyone. The media…the company…", her voice trails off as Arthur pulls her towards him, shaking his head vehemently.

"Forget about them. I am going to tell him tomorrow at breakfast. Guinevere..no matter what he says – this is right. This is what I want. If you still do I mean…I know I've been a-"

"-Dick?" she finishes for him again, only this time there's a twinkle in her eye.

Arthur smiles and nods, looking down at her.

Waiting.

Gwen nods and allows him to pull her towards him as they hug.

"Fine Pendragon…But seriously, you can't do this. We said we're in, we're in. No more crap okay?" her voice is muffled but she can't stop the smile that comes with it as she breathes in his aftershave and feels his arms tighten around her as he nods into her hair.

"Good. Now I only have one problem left to deal with…", she says quietly, as if she's talking to herself.

Arthur pulls away from her to look at her questioningly.

She shrugs and grins sheepishly.

"I kind of never got around to organizing a dress for tomorrow so…"

They both laugh and she pulls him towards her for a kiss.

Arthur looks a bit surprised, but smiles widely.

"So you want to do this? Tomorrow night I mean? As in go to the Charity Ball as my date tomorrow night? Still I mean?"

Gwen shrugs, and then nods slightly before she pulls him back down for another kiss.

"Oh there you are Arthu- Oh…my apologies…I thought you were taking a tour of the premises…"

Agravaine Du Bois is standing at the doorway looking suitably embarrassed at catching Arthur and Gwen kissing.

Pulling away slowly from Gwen, Arthur smiles at her before turning to his uncle and shakes his head gesturing for him to come in as he grabs Gwen's hand.

"Sorry Uncle. Did you need something?" he asks cheerfully.

Agravaine smiles slyly and moves forward.

"I just wanted to inform you that I am heading back to the office now and to remind you of our five o'clock appointment with our partners…I can take the lead if you prefer to come later..?" his voice trails off as he makes a show of looking at Gwen, then back at Arthur expectantly.

Arthur shakes his head, and still holding hands with Gwen, he gently pulls her forward.

"Guinevere…I would like you to meet my Uncle, Agrvaine Du Bois. Uncle, this is Guinevere Leodegrance, my girlfriend", he says.

Gwen smiles and holds out her hand. Agravaine hesitates for half a second before grabbing it and shaking it firmly with a polite smile on his face.

"How lovely to finally meet you Ms. Leodegrance. It's a pleasure indeed", he replies smoothly.

Gwen, who can't help thinking how clammy his hand is, and feels uncomfortable at the way his expression resembles a half sneer nods and smiles.

"It's nice to meet you too Mr. Du Bois. Please, call me Gwen".

Agravine nods slightly, "Then you must call me Agravaine. Will you be joining us tomorrow evening at the Ball my dear?"

Arthur glances at Gwen who nods and smiles.

"Excellent", Agravaine smirks.

"Guinevere please excuse me? I need to get back to the office now but I'll see you later tonight?"

Nodding at him, Arthur leans down and kisses her once more before giving her hand a squeeze, then he leaves the room.

Agravaine makes a polite half bow to Gwen.

"I look forward to spending more time with you from now on Gwen. 'Til tomorrow then."

Gwen nods, smiling uncertainly as she catches the lightening smirk alight on Agravaine's features before he goes out.

Arthur walks ahead of him to the car park in search of Merlin and Gaius and Agravaine takes advantage of the few moments alone to send a quick text.

To: JH

Message: Status update?

Minutes later he is sharing a limo ride back to the office with Arthur, Gaius, and Merlin when his phone beeps.

To: ADB

Message: Complete. Hits the stands late tonight.

Agravaine leans back in his seat and watches his opponents sitting there, talking about how good the benefit was, unaware of anything that is happening and it brings a wide smile to his face.

Later that evening, at the same dingy pub (blame Gwaine)…

"Merlin come on…You said so yourself, we need to find out what the snake's been up to. This stuff can help!" Elyan can't help sounding exasperated.

It's almost eight and they're all tired after the work do and a full day of meetings.

Merlin sighs and shrugs, "I just…well we know he's dodgy, I just don't want to have to resort to these kind of tactics as well..", his voice trails off as he looks at everyone else's expressions.

Lancelot nudges him, "Merlin…We're not doing anything he wouldn't – and isn't probably already doing. In fact, if you want to keep score about whose doing illegal things I'd say Agravaine is in the lead with that one".

Leon looks around the pub in distaste.

"Question: Why do we always have to meet up here? What's wrong with your hotel room Gwaine? Or your house Merlin?"

They all look at Merlin and Gwaine for a response.

Gwaine looks slightly guilty and shrugs so Merlin rolls his eyes and offers a brief explanation.

"Yeah…no, not our house..Let's just say Gwaine and Morgana had a…'dispute' over the TV the other night so he's sort of banned – for a bit…"

Percival has a cheeky girn on his face.

"How long is 'a bit'?" he asks.

Merlin squirms, recalling the argument again and feeling uncomfortable for having to play ref the other night.

"Morgs said he could come back after the wedding but I reckon she'll be over it in a day or so.."

"Feck off! Morgana had no business kickin' up a fuss over some shite called 'Project Runway' while Premier highlights were on innit?!"

Leon raises an eyebrow at Gwaine but says nothing and Percival winces.

Merlin is impatient and changes the subject.

"Okaaaay…Gwaine Bond? What's been happening? With the reporter?"

They all look expectantly at Gwaine who pulls his chair closer to the table eagerly and pulls out a hefty looking folder from his laptop bag. It is full of pictures, information from the net and papers that look like…bank statements.

The others exchange amused looks and Merlin can't resist making a jest.

"Geez Gwaine….We told you to just look into it, not to become an Irish version of Carrie Mathieson!"

Gwaine ignores the rib and makes a big show of opening the folder.

"Well…I figured that Jena would probably know who I was…not surprising since women tend to know who I am so-"

"Gwaine? Focus!" Percival cuts in impatiently.

"Er right…sorry. Yeah, so since I figure she knows who I am and all that obviously, chatting her up somewhere wouldn't work as she'd smell something was off. Then Percy and I did some digging on her – like places she goes to for fun, etc…and not much came up, then I saw something on her twitter…she isn't that nice to her PA. A young woman named…Tara Linley. She actually makes fun of her on her twitter…like talking about some idiotic thing her assistant did that day, having a laugh about a mistake she made. I pulled Tara Linley's profile off the company website and yep..she's Jena's PA. Seeing as we've seen how Ms. Harders is in mixed company and she kind of resembles a younger, better looking Maleficent, how much do you wanna bet she is ten times nastier in her shop? Look, I know from experience that if you treat your staff like shit, they can turn on you – or at least be encouraged to bad mouth you given half a chance.

So then Percy followed her the other day out of their building and she went to a bar not too far from where they work. When he had a quiet word with the bartender later that evening he told him that she goes there quite a lot – every Friday evening. Not with Jena, she never goes in there. But with other PAs and office nobodies. Since Friday is just around the corner…I will be there of course. To get more information".

No one speaks for a moment, they are all looking at Gwaine with a renewed sense of respect and Merlin grins at him and Percival.

"That's great guys. Good job".

Gwaine smiles proudly and leans back to drink his beer.

"Well El and I have been looking into Agravaine's businesses and his dealings. Not all of them because this guy's been in it for the last thirty years! However, there are a couple of interesting things that at first seemed like nothing of interest except..well El you tell them, you found the information", Lancelot gestures towards his friend.

Elyan continues for him, "Except that it has been happening for the last five years. He's been buying into companies that have been failing. Well failing in the sense they lose product, stocks, shareholders sell up. He comes in and bails them out, but ends up buying them out and through obscure contract clauses, owning their companies. Within the last four years he's acquired five companies this way. The thing is, all these companies were very profitable and-poised as the next lot of Fortune 500 companies until something went wrong and they went belly up".

Lancelot nods and speaks, "The other thing too is that we know that Agravaine represents the Du Bois Estate and owns twenty five percent of the company shares. A substantial amount of course, so he does hold a lot of sway with the board and shareholders. Last night, by chance, I was having a catch up dinner at Georges Restaurant with some old uni friends and while we were waiting for the car, we chatted with the friendly valet and he said it's great that us PI executives like to come to Georges. I asked who else he'd seen that week, thinking maybe one of you lot went there, then he says he got a 100 pound tip from Mr. Agravaine Du Bois himself who was dining there two nights ago with Harold Brisk and Andrew Lansbury."

Leon, who has been quietly sitting in the corner, speaks up.

"Wait…aren't Harold Brisk and Andrew Lansbury major shareholders of PI? They sit on the board of directors don't they?"

Gwaine nods, "Yes they are Leon. So why the hell are they having dinner with the Devil then? He doesn't seem like the 'dinner with friends on Fridays' type so…"

Lancelot shrugs, "Look…it could just be a coincidence…But…the companies…the timeframe…Makes you wonder why he's so determined for PI to get into a merger deal with a company that many think will be a risky investment…"

Merlin nods slowly.

"Yeah, Gaius and I have also been trying to look into all the contracts and agreements he's been overseeing since he came to PI..and so far, no joy yet. Also, I can't get hold of Marilyn – her mum says she's away on holiday and she hasn't returned any of my calls or messages…but as I said, I won't stop looking".

Percival shakes his head and looks around the table at his friends, a grim look on his face.

"The guy is up to something. We've got a lead – several leads but yeah…Okay back to what we were talking about before-"

Merlin shakes his head, "No. It's not right – this is illegal and we're not the police with cause. We could get caught. We co-"

Elyan cuts him off, "Merlin we could also get him in the act. Talking, plotting, doing his deals. Look…If we decide to not go this way, all good. But it's a good suggestion and I am happy to hook it up. To run point on this one. But only if we all agree. It's an office bug. We're not doing satellite surveillance on the man! Come on…We're doing this for Arthur…for the company. You said so yourself, the guy is dodgy. We're just…making sure".

Leon frowns and shrugs, "Well, I don't work there but..Arthur is my friend and we did say we'd do some digging. I say do it".

Merlin sighs and nods, "Okay then. Set it up El".

"Father…? How are you? Really? Well that's good. I hope you didn't let Redmond win because you feel sorry for him! Hahaha! Right..No, actually I am leaving the office now. We did have a merger meeting earlier..yes with the other party. Father I…Well it's just that you tell me I need to be one hundred percent sure about business plans and…well I can't help feeling..Well I know it's just a feeling but..Yes, that would be good. Sure…Alright, then I'll see you tomorrow at Bailey's say half past eight? Great. Good night Father".

Arthur hangs up his phone as the lift doors open. As he walks out, he sees Elyan waiting to get in.

"Hey El..What's up? Thought you had some things to do with Percival and Merlin tonight?"

Elyan looks a bit uncomfortable but then shrugs, gesturing down to his work bag, and smiles.

"Yeah I was but I remembered there's a few things I didn't take since I left early for the benefit at Gwen's school so I had to come back for a bit. Well…I'd better go; I don't want Gwaine to lock himself out of his room again".

He waves hurriedly and the doors close between them.

Arthur shrugs and continues out of the building.

He remembers he is supposed to pick up some takeaway before heading to Gwen's house for a late dinner and then pulls out his phone again to ask whether she wants Chinese or fish'n'chips.

Arthur's POV

I'm relieved today is over. You sound happy. I am happy. Things are good with work. My father sounds well. My girlfriend isn't completely sick of me yet…It's good. Yeah well you still need to do some more groveling. I know and I don't care. It's Guinevere. She's worth it. Good to hear that all is well. Yep. Looks like its Chinese takeout tonight.

The next morning Arthur has to tear himself away from Gwen to get up and leave. He wants to go for a run and then check his emails before meeting his father for breakfast.

Gwen walks him to the door and pulls him back down for another kiss. He groans and pushes her against the doorway, kissing her hard.

"Do you really have to go?" she says teasingly, her dark eyes shining.

He sighs and caresses her cheek, with an overdramatic pout on his face as she giggles.

"Yeah I do…I'm going to talk to Dad this morning – about us. And tonight…We'll be together and I don't care who sees it".

He kisses her slowly and then she lets him go, watching with an amused look on her face as he walks away whistling, his coat draped over one arm.

He jogs around the corner to his building and sees his father's chauffeur driven car parked out front, with the driver, Simon waiting in it.

He stops and half waves at Simon, his brow furrowing. The driver nods in greeting and points upwards to his building.

Uther is pacing near the front desk counter while the doorman, Colin looks on uncomfortably.

Arthur smiles at Uther as he enters the foyer, checking his watch to see the time. It's just after eight so he's not running late.

"Father…? I thought-"

"Arthur we need to talk. Now", his father's face is stony and he says nothing more.

Arthur knows that look very well. It's the same look he gets when he's furious with Arthur. Or with something at work. At any rate, it's never a good thing.

Nodding silently he leads the way to the lifts as they make their way up to his flat.

Uther doesn't even bother taking off his coat or sitting down when they walk in, he merely slams a newspaper on Arthur's kitchen counter.

Arthur looks at him in surprise.

"What the hell is going on?! No more bullshit! I want answers! Now!" he shouts.

Arthur shakes his head in wonder before looking down at the newspaper.

And the front page.

Then he looks back at his father, as he feels like the colour is slowly from his face.

Uther repeats himself, moving closer to Arthur who can't seem to move.

"What the hell is going on?"

A/N: Oh nooooo! What's happened?! Poor Arthur...Uther might have another fall with all this stress. Sorry folks..didn't mean to make this chapter so long but it kind of grew legs and ran out of the house, nor did I mean to have a cliffhanger-ish ending. BTW, the song is 'Betty' by Brooke Fraser - great folk artist. Please drop us a line and let me know what you thought and thanks for reading. Next one up soon :)