Thank you for your continued support. I do not own Merlin or the characters.

Morning found the campers on the lawns of Pendragon Manor, in hearty spirits.

The guys were disassembling the tents, while the girls were packing, as they chatted.

"So…from the way that you and my brother has interacted…rather, has been interacting, gives me the feeling that, you two have worked out your problems, and looked to be getting along," Morganna said, hopefulness in her voice.

A genuine smile graced Gwen's features.

For once she was willing to speak about Arthur, without getting upset.

"You can say that. We had a good heart-to-heart…and admitted a few things to each other." Excitement bloomed in Morganna's heart.

"That's wonderful Gwennie. It's good that you both got things out in the open."

"Yes. We did," Gwen replied, looking over in the guys' direction. She went on. "He apologized for his behavior over the years…not for the other night…but I understand why…anyway, he was honest, and I truly believe, he genuinely cares about me."

"I don't want to say, I told you so, but I did…many times over the years. He doesn't just care about you, Gwennie, he loves you."

"You're right. I saw it last night and if I'm being honest, I saw it many times before. I was just too stubborn to admit it. Arthur is…misunderstood and he can be a bit of a handful, but…underneath all of that, he's a wonderful guy…pining after a stubborn…flawed girl."

Morganna paused her actions and took a look at her best friend.

She looked distressed and pitiful, to the point of being comical and Morganna couldn't help the laugh that escaped her.

Gwen was taken aback.

She stood with her mouth agape, staring confusedly at her best friend.

After a while, the laughing stopped, and Gwen continued to stare, this time, with questions in her eyes.

Morganna composed herself, took a quick glance at the guys, who were now looking in their direction, and then turned to her friend.

"Sorry Gwen…but the look on your face a few minutes ago, was priceless. I have never seen you look so…pitiful…for a while there, you looked as you did, when you were ten years old."

The urge to laugh again was strong, but she held it in.

Gwen, on the other hand, took mock offense.

"I just poured my heart out to you, and what did you do? You laughed at me, Morgs. Do you know how hard it was to admit…that, your brother is actually a really nice guy…and not some…muscle-bound prat, who's out to ruin my life."

Morganna lost it. She threw her head back and barked a laugh.

What Gwen didn't know, was, Arthur and Merlin had finished their tasks and were now standing behind her…listening to everything she had said.

A subtle clearing of someone's throat, startled her and she refused to look around. Her pretty face colored in embarrassment, as Merlin, too, started snickering.

Arthur was amused. He wasn't angry.

He was delighted in Gwen's comical plight. He leaned in close to her ears and said,

"I see my standings has gone up a notch, or two, in your book. Thank you, Guinevere."

A mortified Gwen, shivered at his tone of voice and the subtle heat emanating from being in close proximity of him.

She was at a complete loss for words.

She immediately ducked her head, covered her face with one hand and placed the other on her chest, right over her wildly beating heart.

After a few more seconds, Arthur came around to stand directly in front of her. With an amused smile on his face, he tentatively took her hand from her face, lifted her chin and softly asked,

"Are you all done with your packing?"

A still embarrassed Gwen, shook her head in the affirmative, trying not to meet his eyes.

The two M's immediately went quiet, as they witnessed the interaction between Arthur and Gwen. They smiled at each other, when they saw Arthur moved a strand of her wild curls, from her face and tucked it behind her ear.

In a split decision, they quietly moved away from the couple and started carting their things away.

Gwen was lost in a trance, as Arthur's eyes held hers captive.

This side of him, was something she definitely had to get used to, following her acceptance of his feelings for her.

It stirred something within her. Something good and pure…and raw.

His soft, lingering kiss, left her as light as a feather and craving for more. And, she was powerless to stop her lips from following his for a beat, as he gently pulled back, to stare intently in her eyes.

His easy smile, brought on one of her own, and it felt as natural as breathing, to her.

He turned away for just a moment, took up their tent, and made his way back to her. Next, he took her overnight bag, threw it over his shoulder and reached for her hand.

As they walked in comfortable silence, they spotted the two M's way ahead of them, bringing to mind, that they were alone and in their own world, for the last few minutes.

They both looked at each other, knowingly smiling, as they followed the others back to the house.

Six months later…

Arthur and Gwen were going strong in their new-found relationship.

It has now been four months, since they agreed to explore the obvious feelings between them.

In the two months before, they continued to work on being friends first, and then gradually, into an exclusive relationship.

They spent almost all of their free time with each other, occasionally having dinner, or hanging out with the two M's, who were extremely glad, that the couple had buried the proverbial hatchet…for good.

It was on a nice quiet evening, however, that the strength of that relationship, was put to the test.

Arthur and Gwen, had both decided to have a late dinner, after the long day they'd had, at their respective jobs.

To save time, they decided to meet at the restaurant…Gwen would take a taxi and Arthur would take his car, so that they could both ride together, when they were done.

Gwen arrived early and decided to wait for Arthur on the outside.

Besides looking and feeling a bit tired, she looked wonderful. She was wearing a red, sexy office wear zipper dress, with the sleeves cropped at the elbows and black four-inch heels, with red bottoms. Her wild curls were in a half-up, half down style and her light make-up was refreshed, to finish off her look.

As she stood, a few steps away from the entrance, she absent-mindedly took in her surroundings and occasionally glanced at her phone, noting the time and checking for any messages, she might have missed.

Presently, a shadow covered her short frame, so she looked up, to see who it was.

In front of her, stood a guy...a stranger, with a knowing smirk on his features.

A blank stare was all she could offer…rather, all she wanted to offer. She didn't know the guy and he was coming off as a nutter.

"Hello sweetheart. Looking fine, as usual." His words threw her. Her eyebrows scrunched together, as she stared confusedly at him. "I see you don't remember me," he said.

"Should I?" Gwen asked.

"Nah. I'm not saying you should…but…I feel hurt that you don't."

"I'm sorry, but I don't know you. Maybe you have the wrong…"

"No. I don't. I can't forget such a beautiful face. And…pardon me…but such a sexy body," he said, his eyes following the length of the zip on the front of her dress.

Suddenly, Gwen began to feel uncomfortable.

The guy noticed and kindly said,

"Look, I don't mean to put you off, or anything. You seem like a nice, sophisticated woman. It's just…I had the opportunity to dance with you and your friend a few months ago, and I just wanted to say something to you…and possibly see, if you and your boyfriend were still together."

Realization dawned om her, followed by embarrassment.

"I…I…uh. I didn't recognize you." He chuckled, putting her at ease. "I'm sure you can guess why, I didn't recognize you."

"Indeed I can. You're a light weight when it comes to drinking, aren't you?"

"Yes, very much so."

"So…I'm still wondering, are you and your boyfriend…or is it husband, still together?"

"It's boyfriend. And, that night…we weren't together…he's my best friend's brother and we all grew up together. But yeah, we are in a relationship, now."

"Wow! Anyone paying attention that night, would've sworn that you two were an item. That guy looked fit to murder me. I was actually scared for my life."

A soft laugh escaped Gwen.

"He probably would've too."

"Well, I think he's a very luck man, to have someone like you. Although, it doesn't make me feel any better."

"Oh, you poor baby. There's some lucky girl out there, with your name tattooed on her heart. You just need to find her."

"Very kind of you to say. Well, it was nice seeing you again."

"Same here," Gwen replied.

Neither one noticed Arthur standing a stone's throw away, with a hard look on his face, as he watched their interaction.

The guy boldly leaned in, and placed a friendly kiss on her cheeks, waved good bye and sidled away.

Gwen was left standing, with a lovely smile on her face, as she watched him crossed over to the other side of the street.

As if sensing Arthur, she turned her head, and locked eyes with him.

The smile vanished from her face, when she saw the look he was wearing.

He calmly approached and offered a quiet,

"Good night," to her.

"Night Arthur. When did you get here?"

"A short while ago."

His short answers, told her, he had witnessed, if not everything, almost everything, between her and the guy. She decided to let things be.

She pecked his lips, noting that he didn't respond, but turned anyway, and entered the restaurant.

He followed quietly behind her, lost in his thoughts, his posture nor his demeanor changing.

Minutes later, they were seated at a secluded table, silently perusing their given menus, as their waitress hovered close by.

After a few minutes, they both ordered and the waitress disappeared, leaving them in an uncomfortable silence.

Gwen was at the end of her tether, with the handsome man, sitting in front of her.

She quietly observed him, as he sat staring straight ahead. He looked really good. Always does. He stands out anywhere, in any crowd. He seemed to always have the edge over, every other guy…but, maybe she was biased.

After all, she was in love with him.

She's yet to utter those words to him, seeing as he has voiced his, on many occasions, but she could freely admit that, to herself and anyone else.

She decided to break the ice and the tension…or, possibly create more.

"This is a really nice place, Arthur."

"Uh huh."

"It's very personable and private."

"It is."

"So, did you manage to get that mountain of paper-work done?"

"Yes, I did."

"Well done! Uther will be happy about that."

"He should be."

Silence loomed for about another minute, while they sat and waited for their food.

Gwen chanced a glance at him, meeting his eyes.

She held his gaze for a while, trying to gauge his thoughts.

His eyes told her, he was hurt and upset, bordering on angry.

With that, she decided to clear the air, offering him the chance to say what was on his mind.

"Okay Arthur. I know you saw me talking to that guy, and given what happened months ago, you might be wondering why."

She paused to get his reaction, if any. He remained still and nodded his head.

Gwen continued.

"He just came up to me, making small talk, to see if I had remembered him. Which I didn't, at first. It clicked after he explained a few things…I felt so embarrassed…."

"Didn't look that way at all. In fact, you two looked comfortable with each other." His words caught her off-guard. She was well and truly taken aback.

"I don't know what you saw Arthur, but I…"

"I saw the two of you being flirty with each other."

"Flirty? There was no flirting going on…"

"It looked that way to me. He just kissed you, Guinevere….and you allowed him to."

"Arthur, don't be ridiculous. It was just a small peck on the cheek."

"That's what you think. I bet, if he see's you again, he'll do the same thing. And if he ever gets the chance, he'll go in for a proper kiss."

An incredulous look masked Gwen's features.

"Is this how you think of me, Arthur Pendragon? You think, I'm that naive and silly, that I don't know when to draw the line?"

"I don't think so. You have a soft heart, Guinevere and you always let people run over you."

The waitress arrived with their food, putting pause to their intense conversation.

Seconds later, they were alone again, shrouded in a tense silence.

Both sat lost in their thoughts, pushing their food around on their plates.

After a while, Arthur dropped his cutlery, tossed his napkin on the table, and said,

"For the love of God Guinevere, you know me. You know the things I like and the ones I don't like. I get that you didn't know who he was, but the moment you did, you should have ended the conversation."

"Don't be unreasonable Arthur. That would be a very rude thing to do."

"Unreasonable! I don't think I am. From where I was standing, that conversation looked a little less than innocent. I bet he came unto you, or, asked for your number. Probably paid you some high compliment, just to see if he had a shot."

Gwen's face colored. Guilt washed over her, and Arthur picked up on it.

"Just as I thought. And you stood there, and continued to talk to him, with a happy smile on your face." Gwen was taken aback, for the second time that night.

"You don't think very high of me, do you? Just because I smiled at the guy and I was polite enough, to speak to him, doesn't mean I encourage any unwanted actions from him. Despite what took place at the nightclub all those months ago, the guy seemed genuinely nice. He didn't ask me for my number…he did ask if me and my boyfriend was still together, because…"

"He wanted to see if he had a chance with you. That's what I said, Guinevere. And for the record, I heard what you said after that."

His tone was acid.

Gwen could feel the heat of his anger, as it simmered below the surface.

She ducked her head, feeling chastised, for something she thought, was out of her control. Quietly, she said,

"I'm sorry if I hurt you…or cause you to feel…unimportant. It's the last thing I ever want to do. But…I'm me and I can only be me. If you can't accept that, then…it's best we part…"

"Is that your solution? To break-up?" She raised her eyes to his and said,

"I just feel as though we need some space…to figure out what we both need, and come to some sort of agreement."

"I know what I need, Guinevere. I need you…you know that, everyone knows that." She stood from her chair, grabbed her bag, and softly said,

"Then, you should think about what I said. We need space."

At that, she walked away and headed for the door.

It took Arthur, about twenty seconds, to realize the woman he loved more than anything, walked away from him, possibly for a long time. He couldn't handle that.

He signaled a passing waitress, settled the bill and hiked it out of the restaurant.

He was just in time to see Gwen getting into a cab and the only thing he could do, was to watch it pull out into traffic and drive off.

In a matter of minutes, he was in his car, heading in the same direction as the cab.

He knew exactly where she was going. To Pendragon Manor.

If he remembered correctly, her dad and his, were having an all-nighter at a men's club in the city, so, as always, she would be sleeping over.

As he pulled into the driveway to his home, he saw a light flicked on, on the second level of the manor. Meaning, she was already in her room.

He didn't waste any time.

He flew out of his car and raced towards the front door and main entrance of the manor.

Inside, he took the stairs two at a time, hoping to catch her before she turned out her light. If that happens, her door will be locked.

In a flash, he was at her door.

He didn't knock or call.

He barged in and locked the door behind him.

Gwen was shocked and startled, at the way Arthur had entered.

She was standing in nothing, but her underwear.

Temporary paralysis left her, when she saw his eyes darkened and a predatory look, masking his features.

She slowly moved towards the lone chair in her room, and reached for a robe, which was laying there.

His low, deadly tone, left her standing with her arm out-stretched…frozen in mid-air, when he commanded,

"Leave it."

She closed her eyes, when she heard his footfalls, coming towards her. She felt as though she was being stalked.

The first touch of his hand on hers, sent shivers and tingles all through her lithe body.

His grip was firm, but tender at the same time and his hand felt warm.

"You think, you can just run away from me, and I wouldn't come for you? I've told you, time and time again, I love you, Guinevere. And I need you. In so many ways."

Straightening her spine and schooling her features, Gwen turned to look at him.

"The way you think of me and the way you speak to me…makes me feel stupid. It takes me back to that night, when you berated me for the way I was dressed…and other things. I'm not a seductress or a harlot, Arthur. You've known me for so many years, still, when it comes to other guys, you treat me as though I can't be around them, as if they would take advantage of me…or that, I'd let them."

"You're right. I shouldn't think that way. I let my feelings and my jealousy take over, and it makes me act…so…"

"Pig-headed…arrogant," she said. And he threw in,

"Yes. Like a first-class idiot. But I can't help it. I love you and I don't want to lose you."

Gwen softened, a bit.

She felt him, tug her to him, and crashed his lips onto hers.

His kiss was angry and desperate. It told everything he was feeling at the moment.

Gwen held on and matched his actions, tit for tat.

She too was telling a story in that kiss.

She walked him to the nearest wall and angrily pushed him into it, as she continued to kiss him.

They broke for a bit, locking eyes with each other and panting hard.

"I'm really sorry, my love. I promise to do better and trust your feelings for me," he said.

Gwen kissed him this time, hard, completely claiming his lips. She pulled back and looked into his eyes again.

"It was you all of those years ago, wasn't it?" Confusion clouded his passion filled eyes. "You were the one responsible for guys shunning me."

Guilt colored his face. She had him.

"Yes." She angrily kissed him again, and bit his lip on purpose.

"Do you know how that made me feel? I thought I was un-attractive…that is, until Lance came along. You did that to me Arthur Pendragon."

"I'm so sorry, Guinevere. If it's any consolation, you are miles from being un-attractive. You're beautiful, so beautiful. Can't you feel what you do to me? Can you feel how much I want you…need you?"

Of course, she could feel it.

It was made even more tangible, when she felt his body react, the minute he brought her to him.

Gwen looked at him, really looked at him.

His eyes were sorrowful, but still full of love.

These days, it was so hard to stay angry with him. He was embedded deep within her soul, in her very veins.

The amount of love and passion she had for him, completely overwhelmed her in that moment and she surrendered everything.

She kissed him, soft, sweet and lingering, this time, telling a completely different story.

She pulled back, looking directly into his eyes once again.

"I love you," she quietly said. His eyes widened for a moment, when he realized what she had said to him.

He brought his hands up, and cupped both sides of her lovely face.

He held her gaze, seeing no jest, only honesty and sincerity. He placed a sweet kiss on her lips and softly replied,

"And I love you." Her smile brought on one of his own. "So much," he finished. She gently pulled him down, closer to her level and softly whispered in his ears,

"Make love to me, Arthur."

Arthur's head snapped up and his eyes found hers, locking stares with her. His silent question and her little nod, confirmed what he had heard. His lips found hers, in a passionate kiss, summing up his exact feelings, on what was about to happen.

He lifted, his eyes to hers again, and quietly asked,

"Sure?" This time, she answered,

"Absolutely sure."

In an act, which can only be described as reverent, Arthur gently claimed Gwen's maiden-head as his and his alone.

His first thrusts afterwards, were experimental, for fear of causing more pain to his beloved.

He tenderly moved, stopping after each thrust, to see if she was okay.

Gwen was floored.

She knew he was deeply concerned for her, but his actions made her fall for him, a little more.

She reached up her hand, brushing a finger over his forehead, his cheek, his nose and finally his plump lips.

His soft kiss to the digit, was the sweetest thing ever.

She brought his lips to hers, kissed him and softly said,

"I'm fine Arthur. You don't have to hold back."

And he didn't.

He lost himself in it, in her and completely gave himself over to it, to her.

As his actions sped up, he felt her relax and get more into their activities.

For a time, the only sounds he could register, were her soft moans of pleasure. Everything thing else outside of her room, was as if someone had pressed a mute button.

He was completely attuned to her, and she was to him.

After a while, he snaked his long arms under hers, holding them in a firm grip.

He felt her lift her legs, and he actually swore, as he found himself slipping deeper into her.

By this time, he was forehead to forehead with her, with his eyes closed, trying desperately to reign himself in.

He was on the threshold of losing control. He's never had it this good before.

When her legs, locked around his hips, he swore again, his eyes snapping open.

"God Guinevere! You can't do that…" Scant confusion marred Gwen's features. Before she could ask him what he meant, he said, "I won't be able to hold on…for much longer…if you…hold me like that."

Realization dawned on her. He went on,

"You need to release me, my love."

She slackened her legs and his hips sped up.

The veins in his face and neck bulged, with every determined thrust he made.

His muscles rippled, as he drove deeper, harder and faster into her.

When she started to thrash her head from side to side, he knew she was about to unravel beneath him.

"Look at me, Guinevere."

She did.

"Mine. You're mine. Not that guy's or anyone else's. Just…mine."

Tears leaked from the sides of Gwen's eyes.

There was no doubt about it. She belonged to this, spoiled, prattish, sweet man, who loved her with all of his heart, and then some.

"I'm yours, Arthur."

After that, he completely let go.

He marked the bed with her and claimed her, mind, body and soul, as his and his alone.

When his release came, hers came.

For him, it was like falling into a hot honey pot…sweetness for days.

For her, there were no words to describe what she was feeling.

'No wonder people talk about this and do it so often,' she thought…but she had actually voiced it, making Arthur laugh, loudly.

"Only you, Guinevere," he said, as he tried to compose himself.

Five months later...

Gwen was a married woman and two months pregnant.

She and Arthur bore the jokes and taunting from the two M's well, whilst the couple's fathers, rejoiced at the news on becoming grandfathers.

It was indeed a long and hard-fought journey for Arthur, but having the woman he was in love with for years, as his wife took the cake.

The cherry on top and the thing that made everything so much better and sweeter, was knowing she was pregnant with his child, the first of many…he hoped.

That's it for this story. I will try to do a proper epilogue in the future. Thank you for hanging in with me. Much love to you.