An Unexpected Surprise [Modern AU]

[Arthur Pendragon]

He listened to her speak of the life she wanted, describing it detail by detail. He was not surprised to hear the simplicity of it, as she seemed to be one who wanted that simple and humble lifestyle. Not extravagance. Otherwise, she would have had no objection to him having servants tend to her. But, he was also slightly confused, for this all sounded very . . . long term. Granted, he didn't know how long they were going to live with each other for. But it wasn't going to be for the rest of their lives, right? Eventually, they were go their own separate ways . . . and she would find -- as she described -- a husband that she could cook for and and curl up on the couch with. He just remained silent, letting her explain all that she did, finishing with the suggestion of them finding a place together. A new place? Was that, necessary?

He had thought it made more sense her moving in with him since she was looking for a new place anyway. But he was quite settled in his own, and didn't have any immediate plans to move elsewhere. This was all just starting to sound too . . . long term. "I'm not asking you to live this way for the rest of your life. I mean, obviously not for the rest of your life." Obviously. "This is just all temporary Guinevère. I'm not trying to impose on dreams you have for the future, but when you do get married and move out, whichever comes first, you can have all that." He wasn't trying to discourage that by offering his place to live in. Right now, it was just the most convenient thing. "You're already four months pregnant. I offered my place since you were looking for a new one anyway, and it'll be easier rather than go through the hassle of finding a place and moving both our stuff in there."

With his work schedule, and her getting closer to her due date . . . would they even have time to look for a place? "Is the fact that I have hired help, really the only reason you don't want to move in?" Was that it? Really? He could have the maids come once a week and do a big clean up if she preferred? But then again, he didn't want her to have to cook and such. Surely there was an easier compromise than just selling both their places and finding a new one. "Besides, wouldn't it be harder for us to both find new places when we decide not to live with each other anymore?" Another reminder, that this was all temporary. "I just don't want you to have to worry about that." He was just trying to find out what worked out best for the time being . . . but from the way she spoke of it, in his mind, it sounded far too . . . permanent.

[Guinevère]

"This is just all temporary Guinevère." Temporary. That was how her life seemed to be. Just temporary. Elyan came home temporarily, her ex came home about just as often, and even the places she lived were temporary. Nothing was permanent. Not until now. THIS baby would be something permit in her life, and Guinevère knew she had to give this child the things she had not when she grown up. There would be no moving around, no people coming in and out of her life. She had to protect his baby from temporary things.

The sudden urge to bring her baby home to a permit address was so strong and uncontrollable that Guinevère could not ignore it. "I just don't want you to have to worry about that." She had just said she wanted all that and he seemed to not understand. Not that she expected him too any longer. "Thank you," She told him calmly, "Very much for the offer. It really does mean a lot."

Standing she folded her arms over her, "But I have to say no." She would not move into his life temporarily. She gave him an apologetic smile, but she meant her words. She had her own family, growing inside her. She would do things right--her idea of right and moral at least. "I have to to the market today, I am just going to make list while we talk." She explained, walking the short distance to the kitchen to give herself some space.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Bloody hell. Women were so complicated! Had she not just been the one to suggest moving in? Had he not just asked if it was just the servants that she had an aversion to? Yet she had not answered the question. She said she was looking for a new place, yet it was too much if he wanted someone to look after her while he couldn't? He really couldn't win. And this just served as a reminder as to why he didn't have any long term relationships. Because women couldn't make up their mind half the time! He stayed quiet, not about to argue with her further on the subject. Apparently the only compromise she was willing to make was one where they found a place together. Not one where he would have the servant's come less, or segregate his dogs from her damn ferret . . . just one where they could both turn their lives upside down and act as if they were the perfect example of domesticity. "I have to to the market today, I am just going to make list while we talk." Arthur wasn't an idiot. He knew she was now avoiding the subject as well as him.

He stayed looking at the ground for a few moments before he rose from his half seated position on the arm of the chair. "It's fine. I have to go to work." An hour early. But they weren't getting anywhere with this conversation. Had things been different . . . he would have even offered to take her to the market. But somehow, he had an idea she would decline. Maybe accuse him of thinking she wasn't self sufficient. Offend her by implying that she couldn't get there on her own. Without even looking at her, he walked toward his bag, bending down to pick it up. "Sorry about the table," he mumbled before he walked out of her house, closing the door behind him. He didn't stop until he reached his car, and then drove straight to the hospital. Their night had started off shaky, then gotten better . . . this morning had been fine, then the ferret interfered, then they had redeemed it . . . and now this. It just went to show how little they knew each other. And his stress level increased as he thought of how they were going to make this work, when they could hardly have one conversation where they weren't arguing with one another.

[Guinevère]

"It's fine. I have to go to work." Guinevère was surprised, but she wasn't at the same time. While she had known him only one night she could tell his pattern. When things grew uneasy, he left. Not that she blamed him, none of this could be easy for him. Quickly grabbing the food she had for him she turned toward the door, "Sorry about the table," but he was gone. Standing there for a moment, she watched the door, surprised at how quickly he had really just left.

Moving to sit on the steps, she spent an hour there, just thinking. It was hard to see how quickly she was loosing control of her life. Looking at the couch where he had been, she noticed her gift to him left there. He had not taken it with him when he stormed out. That was when the tears fell. And fell.

Five and half hours later, Guinevère returned home with bags in her hands. She set them on the---Oh, no table. She set them on the floor, and greeted Lucifer (whom she had set free before she left) and began putting away her things. She had gotten allot done in her short amount of time--but she was good at doing allot with just a little time. She'd gone to the market, and to the shops and to Arthur's work.

First stop had been his work, where she had walked to his office, and asked the administrative assistant if she could leave the plate of food on his desk. After being allowed too, she went shopping for new socks and a new shirt for her upcoming field trip with her class. Then she went to the market to get new food. Looking over at his gift that was on her couch still, Guinevère picked it up and moved it to the cupboard with the rest of her glassware. By supper time, when she went to get a cup out, the sight of it was only a reminder.

She went outside to get her mail, and then sat down on her couch to eat and eat it. A few bills, some advertisements and a postcard. Pausing when she sat the photo on the front she reached for it slowly, and turned it over as if afraid to read the message that might be on the back.

[Arthur Pendragon]

On his way to work Arthur stopped at a coffee shop to get caffeine . . . which was when he realized that he'd forgotten the gift she had gotten for him. He hadn't meant to, and it wasn't done spitefully. Though he feared she may have taken it that way considering the haste and abruptness at which he left. He would just have to pick it up from her. Whenever that may be. With his coffee giving him the energy he needed, he went on to the hospital. Although Arthur had arrived at work early, he changed into his scrubs and lab coat, and got straight to work. After all, the emergency was never empty of patients. His shift progressed quickly, though his mind kept getting distracted with everything going on in his personal life. Of how he was going to make this work when every time they reached a disagreement, he was ready to walk away from it.

He hated arguing, or even politely disagreeing . . . and avoided confrontation. It was part of the reason he knew he wasn't ready for a solid relationship, and why his father kept pushing him toward one. Halfway through his shift, he went to his office where his secretary informed him that someone had come and dropped off food. He didn't need to ask who it was to know. He went into his office and saw that the plate was there. He stared at it for a few moments, before putting it in the microwave in his office and then sitting down for the ten minutes he had and ate it. It was delicious. Better than any food in the cafeteria or any order of take out. Was she like this with everyone? Always wanting to make sure they were taken care of? Is that why she was so opposed to letting someone take care of her?

From what little he knew of her family, it was clear that she was forced to become independent at a young age . . . and for that, he could admire her strength. At the same time, it didn't resolve the issues. It only made him feel slightly guilty for leaving so quickly. After his break, he went straight back to work, finishing off the rest of his shift. He could finally turn on his phone and skimmed through his messages. Before doing anything else, he decided to send her a quick text. Before it got too late, and wanting to do this at the first opportunity he had. Thanks for the food. Feelin better? Hitting send, he tucked his phone back into his pocket, hoping that her sickness was not that severe. He then got dressed, planning to go out to meet some friends. It was Friday night after all and he found himself wondering what her own plans were.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère had debated on if she should hang the postcard up or if she should just put it away. It was odd how everything changed so quickly. Before she would have hung it up and wondered at it's meaning before telling herself it didn't matter and just letting it stay there. Now it felt like she should not hang it up. She wondered if that was just another sign at how she had only thought herself in love with Lancelot, rather then being in love with him.

Her phone buzzed and she looked at the time before picking up her phone and going to look for her shoes. The sender made her pause. Arthur. She stared at it a moment trying to analyze what he meant and his unreadable tone before she replied, 'Yes, thank you. I hope your shift went well.' She looked at it a moment to double check her spelling before hitting send. Was he off work now? It was just after eight. What did men like him do on Friday nights? Reaching for a jacket and scarf she put it on, and checked her phone every half minute for a reply. Silly she told herself, to be like the teenagers at school.

[Arthur Pendragon]

In between changing out of his work clothes he heard his phone go off and quickly finished getting ready before checking it. A reply from her, along with a couple other people to finalize plans for tonight. He found himself skipping over those messages, subconsciously prioritizing hers. And why shouldn't he. She had morning sickness and . . . he really did want to express his gratitude for the food. Knowing it must have been an inconvenience to come to his work place and drop it off. It was thoughtful of her indeed . . . almost too thoughtful. She had gotten him a mug, given him food, and what had he given in return? He'd broken her table and tried to kill her ferret. Wasn't much at all, and he knew he would have to do better.

This whole thing was new to him, but he was aware that that wasn't a legitimate excuse . . . for it was all new to her as well. He finally read her message, noticing the formality in her tone but figured it was a teacher thing. Without giving it a second thought, his fingers began to type out a reply, deciding that it was best to let some of the tension ease . . . so why not start with a joke, or a tease rather. Ran out of band-aids. Up to much tonight? With that, he hit send and tucked his phone back in his jean pocket, then proceeding to fix his hair so that it held some sort of style rather than just looking like he was too busy all day to check it.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère checked her phone, then got her purse, then checked her phone and then got her keys and then--He messaged her before she could check it again! Ran out of band-aids. Up to much tonight? She smiled and looked around the room for a moment, at his joke. "Your so funny," She whispered, shaking her head and trying not to laugh at his teasing of her.

Her reply came quickly after to answer his question, 'I am going to the park to view the stars. And your plans?' She asked wondering what he would do with a Friday night free. With a last look around her apartment, Guinevère walked out and down the steps, before starting to walk down the sidewalk. She owned no car, but the park was not far. The area was not dangerous. It was something she enjoyed doing, and it was peaceful to be able to think and drink something warm while sitting on a park bench.

[Arthur Pendragon]

He heard his phone go off and once he was finally finished getting ready, checked it to see that she had replied. He paused after reading it. Star gazing. That sounded . . . rather romantic. Was she seeing someone after all? Or was she going with friends? Surely it wasn't the former, since she hadn't mentioned anything to him. And the topic of relationships wasn't one they had delved into. In fact, he still didn't get an answer to his pending question that kept nagging at his mind when he paused long enough to think about it. He was still so curious as to why she had chosen to be with him that night, but it wasn't something he was going to ask over and over and over again. That would just seem . . . needy.

Even if he wanted to know for so many personal reasons, one of which being assured that he hadn't pressured her to do something she wasn't comfortable doing. Heading out to meet some mates. Care to join? You can bring whoever your star gazing with. He was really asking just to be polite. Not that he wouldn't want her company, but he doubted she would want to meet with him and his friends. Unsure if it was her scene, or if she just preferred to spend some quiet time with her own friend, or friends. Either way, the offer was there . . . because he didn't want her to think that him abruptly walking out of her house, meant he was walking out of her life and the baby's.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère was in line to buy some hot coco when her phone finally buzzed again. She checked it, and let a few others skip ahead of her while she read and answered. He was going out with friends. That was at least plural. Heading out to meet some mates. Care to join? You can bring whoever your star gazing with. And he was asking her to join him. She thought about it for a moment, but knew wherever they went she might not be able to afford, and she wasn't sure quite what they called fun. It could be more drinking and she wasn't sure she was ever doing that again--not that she would while carrying a baby.

'I am not meeting anyone to bring. Thank you for the invite, but I will keep to my plans for tonight.' She texted him, then paused for a moment to send another, 'I am going to watch the meteor shower at the park near my home. I have been hoping to get to see it. I hope you and your mates have a shaming time!' There, she explained why she could not meet him, so he would not take it personally. She had almost invited him, and she reached for the new message button but was afraid to send three texts. Should she? Would they only fight again?

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur heard his phone go off once, and then twice. He kept it in his pocket, gathering his things and saying good night to the doctors still on their shift. He then headed to his car and it wasn't until he was sitting in the driver's seat that he checked his phone. Both messages were from Guinevère. The first revealed that she was by herself. Wait . . . by herself? At this time? In some random park apparently?! That didn't sound safe! Who knows what could happen! Did she do this often? Did she like alone time? Or . . . did she just not want to invite people? Arthur paused in thought, debating on what to do. He didn't like the thought of her being alone. Something could happen to her or the baby. Yet, maybe this was something she preferred to do on her own? No. If something happened to her, he would never forgive himself.

He'd rather intrude on her alone time, rather than get a phone call that something had happened to her. He didn't reply to her messages. But instead, send out a few texts to his friends, telling them that something came up and that he would try to meet them later. Non committal enough so that they wouldn't feel ditched if he later could not come. But at least this way, he would make sure she got home safely. He read over her text again, picking up on the words that revealed her location: the park near her house. That shouldn't be too hard to find. And thankfully, it wasn't. He only had to drive around the neighborhood once but it was pretty apparent as to where she would be; as there were cars parked near one particular area. He parked his own car and stepped out, immediately searching through the crowd to look for her. There seemed to be a lot of people here to apparently witness the meteor shower . . . who would have thought.

Arthur had to admit that he'd never done this before, but it wasn't about seeing the shower. It was about making sure that Guinevère stayed safe. Finally, after a lengthy search of weaving through the crowd, he saw the back of her, recognizing her dark curly hair. He walked up to her and paused, standing right next to her. "Is this seat taken?" He asked so casually that it was almost teasing. He wouldn't sit with her if she didn't want him to. He would of course respect any distance she wished. Either way, he would at least be able to see that she was alright. That no creep or perverted tried to advance toward her. That no one tried to mug her or take advantage of her. It was people like that that Arthur was worried about her encountering when by herself. And he wanted to make sure that didn't happen.

[Guinevère]

He didn't answer back. And she's checked enough to know. Her signal was strong so she had not missed it. With how many times she had checked her phone, the battery was dropping. Guinevère was sitting on a tree branch that had grown low and even enough to be a make shift bench. She had her binoculars held up to her eyes and she was looking at the sky, but she could not quite foucse on them. She was wondering what he was doing. Where he was going, and how he lived his life. If his mates where friends from work. If that nurse would be there with him. "Is this seat taken?" With a soft but surprised gasp she lowered her binoculars from her eyes and turned her head to look at him.

A surprised but pleased smiled broke out of her lips before she could stop it. "Hi," She said in a soft drawn out sort of way, before his words came up to her mind. "N-no! You can join me." He'd came here!? Really?! That was surprising yet she found herself glad of it. Glad that he had come all this way to see her. Guinevère wanted to ask so many questions, but she could only stare at him for a long few moments. "I did not expect to see you here." She admitted, not looking away, "I didn't know you liked . . . . " Simpler things. ". . . . stars." Though she was quickly learning she knew less and less about him.

[Arthur Pendragon]

He gave a small chuckle when she seemed legitimately surprised at his presence. And, it didn't appear that she took it as a bad thing. So he truly hoped that he was not imposing, but would check just to be certain. When she said that he could sit, instead of walking around, he just moved one foot on the thick tree bench and hopped over. Once he was on the other side, he sat down properly. He looked back at her, as she looked at him . . . trying to fully confirm if she saw this as a good kind of surprise, or one that made her feel that he was suffocating her by being around her too much. As he silently decided before, he would respect her need for space if that was what she wanted. "I didn't know you liked . . . . . . . . stars." He didn't. He had never done this before, as most of his weekend nights were spent elsewhere. And he wasn't exactly going to pretend that he did this every week.

"I came more for the company," he told her honestly, smiling softly so that she would know he didn't come for the stars, or the meteor shower . . . but that he came to her. And while his intention had been to protect her, he found himself rather excited to spend time with her. Of course not showing such excitement because that would make him look quite pathetic. But he had a lot to make up for. "If you prefer to have some space I completely understand," he added. "I just, didn't want you to be alone." Another truth. Not one that was said in a way to make her decision to be alone sound pitiful . . . but more in a way that he just wanted her to be around someone -- anyone -- and better him than some random person who may wish to take advantage of a woman by herself. At least now, even if she didn't want him to be physically next to her, she wouldn't have to feel alone. For he would be here until he ensured she got home safely.

[Guinevère]

With the stars over head, and the soft old school music playing, and everyone curling up with each other . . .

It was romantic, and his words only seem to play into it in her head. "I came more for the company," He came for her! Guinevère smiled at him, openly for a moment just pleased that he came and was here. She didn't even mind that they had fought this morning. well, she minded but she didn't care. There was the difference. "Thank you for coming." Even if she had not invited him. She had wanted too.

"If you prefer to have some space I completely understand," "You can stay!" She urged him, "I just, didn't want you to be alone." Had he come out of guilt then? She hoped not, but nor was she going to ask for she wanted him to stay.

"The shower starts in about half an hour," She explained, "Until then, there is just some community things, and music. There is hot drinks if you want something." She wondered if he would be cold, though the night was warm. She still knew that sometimes sitting out int he night gave people chills.

[Arthur Pendragon]

He smiled, giving a bit of a nod when she thanked him. Though she didn't have to do so. He wanted to come and had basically invited himself without her offering. Though, she did not seem too objecting of it. And for that, he was relieved. The last thing he wanted to come off as was needy and clingy. Right now, she seemed to be genuinely accepting of his company. And he let his doubts ebb away, not going to ruin her night by constantly expressing doubt. He wondered why he felt so . . . insecure with her. Was that the right word? Always worried about what she thought, how she felt, whether he was doing something right or wrong. With every other woman he had been with, he felt confident and sure of himself. With her, he felt a bit more frazzled and uncertain. And he hoped he was doing a good job of hiding all that.

She went on to explain that the shower started in half an hour, and in the meantime there were other things like . . . dancing, it seemed. For some couples had already gotten up and started swaying along to the slow playing music. He had thought she'd come here with a man of interest . . . for it was a romantic setting indeed. And he wanted her to enjoy it. He rose from the tree he'd been sitting on, not going to get hot chocolate like she suggested or anything else. He turned around, standing in front of her as he extended his hand. "Would you do me the honor of giving me this dance?" He asked, purposely making his voice sound a bit more formal, to add to the moment. He had been to enough formal balls and banquets to know how to formally and respectfully ask a woman to dance. And why should she be any exception? They were from different worlds, but that didn't mean that they couldn't find a place to meet in between.

[Guinevère]

Arthur got up and she assumed he would be going to get coffee, as he's worked all day and they'd not gotten much sleep the night before. Yet instead her heart beat faster as he turned and extended his hand out too her, "Would you do me the honor of giving me this dance?" Oh my goodness!, she thought, He is asking me to dance!

She sat her hot coco down and then pushed forward on the long until she could slide off without messing up her pants. Then looked at him, really looked into his face, and his eyes. For a moment she could only look, then she lifted her hand to place it in his. "I would like nothing better," Then to be held by him, then to dance under the stars and the shower, to this slow song about romance. Everything always happened so fast with them, but in this moment she didn't mind. Her heart was the only thing going quickly in this moment, for everything else seemed to have slowed down.

"I've never danced under the stars before," She whispered, stepping into his arms, and looking up into the bluest eyes she had ever saw in her whole life.

[Arthur Pendragon]

He smiled softly when she said that she would like nothing more than to dance. Whether it was with him, or just dancing in general. When she stepped into his arms, he put his hands on her waist, wrapping around her, holding her close to him. Despite her small size and their significant height difference . . . she fit perfectly in his arms. So comfortably, and with so much ease. With the music playing, he slowly began to sway in it, both of them falling quickly in sync . . . as they had in another more physical and intimate aspect of their relationship. There was no faltering in steps or movements. "I've never danced under the stars before." That was something they had in common then. This was something else that they were first sharing with each other. He found himself holding pride in that, as well as the fact that he had been the first man she slept with.

In a strange way, it made him feel oddly possessive of her . . . a kind that had motivated him to come here tonight. A need to protect her. He couldn't quite explain it, just as he couldn't explain many things about how he was when he was with her. Which was insane! For he hardly knew her. "Me neither," he admitted, never having danced with someone like this. It was, different. Just as he was coming to realize that a lot was different about her. Which was odd for he'd really only met her on a few different occasions. Of course they had casually met many times before the first night they were together . . . but after that. He soon felt their surroundings begin to disappear, making him feel as if no one else existed, apart from her. He wasn't sure what expression was being reflected in his gaze. Soft longing perhaps? Intent admiration? Silent praise for her beauty? Or perhaps a combination of all these things.

[Guinevère]

Neither had he! Guinevère found herself smiling as she looked up at him, and just enjoyed this moment. His arms held her closer to him, and her own hands moved up his arms so they could rest with one on his chest and one on his shoulder. She liked the way he seemed to surround her with his taller and more broader form. His shoulders were wider then her, and his arms larger. Even his hands seemed to be bigger then her smaller ones.

Instead of feeling over powered, or small and helpless, Guinevère felt a sense of protected and safe. As if nothing could touch her while he was here. Later she would think about the reality of their relationship but in this moment, with the stars behind him and his hair in perfect place she could only stare up at him as the song kept going. She could only feel her heart hammering under her chest, and feel the tingling along her skin that his hands left even though the layers of her clothing. Her hand moved from his arm to slide up his shoulder as she stepped a little closer.

[Arthur Pendragon]

It was so strange. All the tension that had existed a matter of hours ago, felt as if had completely vanished. Any argument or disagreement they had ever had . . . ceased to exist. Arthur was used to walking away, but never did he keep coming back. And he was starting to realize that it wasn't so much for the baby. Granted, it was what had brought them together again after so many months . . . but it wasn't just about that anymore. It was about wanting to spend time with her, wanting to take care of her, wanting to be there for her. And hopefully, eventually, he would learn not to just keep leaving with things became tense. Because he knew -- though he may fail to remember it in the heat of the moment -- that he would keep coming back to her. Just like tonight. In moments like these, it didn't even seem like they needed words. And he was completely fine with that. He would enjoy the moment, just pretending like nothing else existed in this world; only her. To say that he'd ever had this feeling before, would be a lie.

Feeling her step closer to him, he kept his eyes locked onto hers, shifting closer as well so that there was hardly any distance between them. His next actions were more out of acting in the moment, rather than a sudden burst of heated desire and passion. He slowly leaned forward and titled his head down a bit until their lips met. Most other times he had kissed her, it had been unplanned, a passionate frenzy, and he would keep going until they were both undressed. It had never been like this before . . . a softer, calm moment. For while there was inevitably passion in his embrace, it was not as urgent as it was before when they were alone. He was not going to demand that they go home so that he could further express his affections for her. No. Right now, he just let his feelings consume him, not even caring or realizing that there were people around. Just him and her, and with the romantic setting, the music and most importantly how she made him feel . . . he wanted to kiss her. As he was doing now, letting the soft kiss linger.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère saw him lean forward, and her breath caught just a second before his lips lightly covered her own. Her toes curled up as he did so, and then she rose up on them in effort to make it easier for him and to press slightly closer. It was not in a passionately urgent way, but in a softer, lower more lingering form. She wanted to savor this moment, and wished it never had to end. This song would forever make her think of Arthur and this night and this kiss.

It might as well be their first one, for while she had kissed him before, this one was not based on physical need and passion but something slightly different. Something she felt not in her belly, and lower. But something she felt in her chest--in her heart. She let the one kiss end, only to began another light and short one, and then another, and another. Holding each one close to her. Guinevère's hand lifted up to brush his hair back, and then linger where his jaw line and neck met.

When the kiss finally broke, even if it was just for a moment, she looked back up into his eyes and knew one thing for certain and more certain then she had known anything before.

She'd never felt this way before. About anyone.