An Unexpected Surprise [Modern AU]

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur drove to Gwaine's place to park his car, and then headed over to the bar with him to meet everyone else. Even though he heard his phone go off, he had practically forgotten about it until he entered the bar, met with his friends, and heard the constant reminder that he had a message. He pulled it out of his pocket . . . along with the other content that he had forgotten about: Guinevère's lingerie. Her bra fell to the floor while the other part of it was scrunched up in his hand. And caused a look from each of his friends. Once the numbed shock of realization passed, he quickly stuffed it back into his pocket before his friends burst into a fit of laughter. Even if Arthur's reputation was well known to them, he didn't carry around tokens as souvenirs. Thank goodness Leon hadn't gotten here yet.

Having grown distracted by their reactions, he only skimmed the message and then tucked his phone back in his pocket. The rest of the night went on as Arthur expected; filled with jokes, laughter, and drinking. He drank and drank, taking full advantage of the fact that he didn't have to work until the evening since he had a night shift. After hanging out with his friends, meeting some people, collecting some numbers, Arthur finally decided to call it a night. Their designated driver -- the over responsible Leon -- offered to give them all ride homes. Gwaine left his car in the lot -- not too shocking since he owned the bar -- and they were all given rides home. As soon as Arthur stumbled inside, he checked that his dogs were fed and then went straight to bed.

He slept in a bit the next morning, waking up with a slight hangover but nothing that a shower, jog and some time at the gym couldn't cure. Though he had been able to numb everything with alcohol last night, now everything was bombarding him. The last few days were finally catching up to him as he was slowly slipping away from that world of denial that he was going to be a father. Deciding to respect her need for space, he did not text her. Not last night, in the morning, afternoon or evening when he then had to go into work. He had a late shift so would be spending the night in the ER. Which was perfect! It was the perfect way to keep his mind preoccupied, dealing with the chaos of the emergency room rather than the chaos of his personal life. Because one was far easier to deal with than the other.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère wanted to take him a plate--HIM being Arthur of course--but she feared he would think her too on & off if she did so. Guinevère instead just waited for a text from him, but it never came. She must have started to write one a hundreds times, but in the end she deleted every single one of them. She wasn't bold enough to speak to him, and feared if she did then it would only end like their other nights.

She went to bed early that night, and just ended up lying in bed thinking. By morning she woke to feel tired, and restless. She didn't like this silence any better then the fighting. So it was around lunch on that day, that Guinevère finally broke the silence between them. 'Would you like to have supper on Wednesday? I know of a great Japanese place.' She sent, hoping that he would reply with yes, and knowing that it was that night she would need to bring up the first barrier: His father.

[Arthur Pendragon]

The night was fairly busy so by the time the sun rose, Arthur was ready to hit the sack. He wasn't sure how much coffee he had drank but it wasn't near enough for all the way home he was yawning. When he got there, Morris had already cleaned his place and take care of his dogs. He exchanged brief words with him before going straight to his room and collapsing on his bed. He slept for the next few hours, knowing he couldn't sleep the entire day away. He had a meeting at the hospital with his father and Morgana. And while Arthur needed to bring up to his father wanting him to meet Guinevère . . . he knew that this meeting was not the appropriate time to discuss i. Especially not with Morgana present, who seemed ready to pick a fight every opportunity she could get. But, in the most manipulative way. It was strange how much she had changed these past few months.

At least it would give Arthur time to consider what to refer to Guinevère as. For clearly, the term friend upset her, and he needed to make it sound serious enough so that his father would not trivialize it. As well as not too serious as to make them more than what they were . . . whatever they were. All these thoughts and stresses caused Arthur to drift in and out of sleep, unable to fully relax his mind Finally in the late afternoon, early evening, he got up to shower and get dressed for his meeting, noticing that he had a message on his phone. From Guinevère. He quickly thought about Wednesday, fairly certain he had a morning shift, and so replied with confirmation. It would also give them time to talk about having dinner with his father. Sure. What time? And while he waited for her reply, he ate a late lunch, or early supper, eying her plate that needed to be returned to her . . . and realizing how much he missed her company.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère heard her phone go off, and reached for it quickly. Looking at the message she felt . . . relived! He said yes! Smiling she thought about times, but knew she could not properly pick a time because she had no idea when or if he was working! She made a mental not to make a contact sheet for him. 'I am out of school by four every day. Anytime after will be fine for me, Whenever you are free.'

Wednesday was so far away, and Guinevère found herself wishing she had said Monday, but with the zoo trip she knew she would be tired. Her class was taking a field trip there, and she was excited for it! Guinevère loved to see all the animals, and she hoped she got a few good photos. Though, if she could get just one good one, and she felt really bold . . . . maybe she could give it to him?

[Arthur Pendragon]

When he heard his phone go off he reached for it and read her message, as she left the time to his convenience. He decided to wait to check his schedule just to be entirely sure that he was free that evening. Rather than making plans and then realize he was working. He made his way to the hospital a little early, aware of his father's diligence for punctuality. Besides, it would make a horrible impression if he showed up late to a meeting with the board. Plus, Morgana would never let him nor anyone else forget it. He made a quick stop at his office, quickly checking his schedule to ensure he was free. When he saw that he was, he was able to properly reply to her message. Pick you up at 7? That would give them both time to get ready at their own ease and not rush.

He also hoped it was not too presumptuous for him to offer to pick her up. He wasn't quite sure where they stood. She seemed to be less angry with him though, that was a start. Less angry and possibly less hurt. Besides, they were meeting in a public place, and he would of course make no attempt to go inside her flat when he dropped her off. He'd have to make a mental note of that. Glancing at his watch, he tucked his phone back in his pocket and went to the meeting room, not exactly looking forward to what would prove to be a long and mundane meeting.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère thought it felt like all day for him to reply, when in truth it only took an hour or so. Seven! She could do seven with ease! Guinevère sent a text back and said 'Seven would be perfect, I look forward to see you again.' Because she did! She wanted to see him again, and she wished she knew what he was thinking and feeling. Men were so hard to read, and she really only wanted walk over there and asking him sometimes.

She pulled out some paper, and in her best handwriting made a contact list for him. On it was her email, and her school phone number, and her facebook. She wanted to get to know him, and on Wednesday she would really try to open up and see if they could be friends. She wanted to be his friend! This would be a first step, by inviting him to get to know her more, and help end the fighting! It was all she really wanted, for the fighting to end and for them to get along. Just spent time together without a fight.

Now all she had to do was figure out what to wear!

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur wasn't sure how long the meeting was. It felt like hours and hours. He believed it was only a couple, but still! He had to watch every single word he said and he felt Morgana's eyes on him almost the entire time. As well as his father's, as if he was just waiting for Arthur to say something to disappoint him. It was not secret that Morgana wanted to be chief and claim ownership of the hospital one day. Its what made things so tense between them. When he got out one of the nurses said that they needed a consult. Arthur knew he couldn't decline when he was already here so on his way there, checked his phone and saw that Guinevère had replied. She seemed alright with the idea of him giving her a ride, which was good. It meant that there was less arguing involved.

Me too. I'll see you then. Cheers. He knew that he was limiting his excitement in seeing her, but vocally expressing his emotions had never been a strong suit of his. It was easier for him to show someone what he was feeling, rather than say it in words. Texting was no exception. It was strange though. Whenever he was with her, he never felt stressed or worried about how they were going to raise a baby -- until they started arguing of course. It was as if just her mere presence was enough to comfort him. It was why when they were apart, that he felt the weight of everything. Strange. No other woman had made him feel as comfortable as she did, even though he did a poor job of showing it.

[Guinevère]

HIS TEXT . . . . . . was a conversation ender. Guinevère stared at it when she got it a few hours later and it seemed distant. Was it because she could not read his tone? Or perhaps he was at work? Still, it made her feel anxious about Wednesday. She spent the rest of day thinking about it as she went though the motions of getting ready for Monday's trip. The zoo! That was exciting! . . . not as much as it had been earlier but still enough to help!

Monday she boarded the bus after her students and they set off. Her mind was on Arthur. That was when she decided to be bold once more in an attempt to see what he was thinking. Pulling her phone she opened it and typed out a text to him. 'I am heading to the zoo! Class field trip. If you could have a photo of any animal I might see, which one should I bring you? Any animal, and I will take a photo just for you.' There, she hoped that would help ease things--get them talking! That would be the only way she knew to help them get past this.

The children were getting restless already and Guinevère set her phone down and stood up to talk to them, asking them about the zoo and about how best to plan their time, in order to keep them from getting stir crazy. "What if we started at the alligators?" She was suggesting holding the map in her hands and turning it so she could follow the path, "And work out way to the--" There was a scream from one of the students and Guinevère turned her head just into to see a large truck run the light and slam into the side of the bus. Had she been in her seat, she might have been fine.

But Guinevère did not have her footing, and she feel to the side sharply, feeling her head hit something, as darkness took over her sight.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur ended up staying at the hospital for a few more hours, before he finally went home. He spent some time with his canine companions before calling it a night. Though his sleep was far from consistent. As he was on call, his pager went off numerous times during the night. Thankfully, toward the morning he managed to get a few hours sleep. Today, he had plans. Not work plans, but more of a . . . date. Or well, getting to know a coworker he liked to call it. As he was getting ready for it his phone went off and he saw that it was a text from Guinevère. He read through it and couldn't help but smile at . . . well, how adorable she was. She sounded so excited to go to the zoo, even offering to take a picture with his favorite animal. It also made him feel . . . guilty. While they did not have a committed relationship, he still felt a bit odd going out with Mithian. Ah well. Perhaps it would pass. Or, perhaps it would just nag at his mind the entire time.

I've always had a strong fascination with giraffe's. From my understanding you can actually feed them on deck. See if you can get a photo with them. Thanks! Have a good time with the kids at the zoo! He would keep the photo and treasure it for it would be the first personal item of hers that he would have. Well, besides her underwear and bra that he still needed to give back to her. With that text, he glanced at the address and went to pick up Mithian from her place. They were just going out for a casual coffee, nothing big. Just as most of Arthur's dates were; casual . . . laid back. And yet even while he was talking to her and flirting with her, all he could think about was Guinevère. And he didn't fail to notice that for the first time, she had not texted him back so soon after he sent his own message to her. It was enough to even make him pull out his phone and check that the text went through. It did. Maybe she just got busy? Either way, he found himself missing her already . . . even though he should be focusing on this lovely lady in front of him.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère opened her eyes and the light was bright. She blinked slowly and could make out a vague male standing over her, but not looking at her. "Sir," She whispered but the sound seemed to hurt her head, and she was feeling tenderness when she was trying to inhale. Her vision was clearing quickly however, "Sir . . . Leon?!" She said his name with surprise, noticing that it was the officer from a few nights ago standing over her. 'Look at that, I've been knighted!' He teased, moving down to see her better. 'Move slow, you've hit your head hard.'

Guinevère looked around and noticed she was in the back of an ambulance, and the doors were open. Out them she could see a bit of the wrack that had just happened . . . how long had she been sleeping? "Is everyone alright?" She asked him, worried about the children--then her hand moved to her belly and her eyes went wide. Her own baby! 'Everyone is fine,' She assured her, 'You would be amazed how many of them had cell phones on them that they were not supposed to have.' He tried to joke with her to ease the look on her face, she guessed. "I hope not too many detentions will be given out."

Were was the doctors who rode in this? Could tell her if her baby was ok? 'Six of them called for help all at once.' He old er, 'The operated had to hang up on a few of them.' Oh dear! What a mess! "My next lesson will be crises control." he tried to joke, but in her mind she was thinking only of her children she carried. 'I think you scared them.' She smiled, and saw a few students, before waving at them. They waved back and looked worried. That was then the doctors came in and said they were taking her to the hospitle and Leon left. Once she knew he was gone she told the paramedics she was pregnant and they told her they would have an ultra sounds done right away.

A few hours later, Leon was sitting in the room with her, taking her side of the story down, though she remembered almost done. She wore her jeans, and a paper shirt, but she hand not been able to wear her bra, for she had a large bruise on the side of her rips. The baby was fine, they told her over and over again. She had a bump on her head, and a large bruise but she was fine. Once the tenderness on her head went down some they would clean the blood away from the cut.

Guinevère could not help but to notice how nurses were walking by the window looking in every few seconds. "I feel like I am in a fish bowel," She admitted to Leon, who looked up and seemed surprise himself. 'It does seem you have been popular.' He agreed. A nurse walked in then, *Here is the water you asked for,* She handed it to Guinevère, "Thank you, very much." Guinevère took a big sip of water. "Can I close the blinds?" She asked, guesting to how people were looking in some. *Oh, I apologize for that but when you asked us to page Mr. Pendragon, everyone wondered who you were.* Leon's head came up and he grew still, 'Mr, or Dr.?'

"Oh, ummm, sorry, Dr. Pendragon," Guinevère corrected, the nurse seemed to watch her carefully. *You said Mr!* She hurried to say, but Guinevère was distracted noticing everyone moving quickly out the window. "Sorry, I wasn't think of his title." The nurse looked out the window and then at Guinevère. *There is a difference!* That was when Guinevère noticed an older man in a good suit taking her file outside the window and looking in here at her, then back at the paper.

Leon stood up and walked to stand next to her, 'They paged his father.' Arthur's father!? 'That would be him.' Guinevère's hand went to her belly, and she turned her head to look at the man entering the room . . . .

[Arthur Pendragon]

'Chief' Pendragon had been paged to go to a room as he was requested to do so. Well, they used the term Mr Pendragon, so he assumed it was him. He paused in his office work, put on his blazer, and immediately went his way to the announced room. There already seemed to be a small crowd emerged around it, including a police officer. One that -- if Uther's mind served correctly -- was a friend of his son's. Without a word to anyone, Uther walked inside to see a young woman. A woman who he had no idea who she was. He looked at her, with stern curiosity. The thought that they had not paged the right Pendragon did not at first spring to mind. Though she did seem like someone his son would associate himself with. She was young, attractive. Yes.

She most likely knew his son rather than him. Unless Uther couldn't remember her. A nurse passed him, handing her the patients chart. Before reading the whole thing, Uther just read the name: Guinevère Faith Moran. The name did not ring a bell. So why was he here? "I was told that you asked them to page me?" By being paged of course. He just looked at her, his lacking friendly expression often deeming him intimidating. But he didn't run a hospital to make friends. He did it to keep the institute effectively running. That was where his son and him differed.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère watched the older man as he seemed to be trying to figure out why she'd paged him to come, but his face looked more stern then soft. This was Arthur's father!? She thought of the conversation when Arthur had admitted--though with out trying too--that his family wanted him in this profession more so then himself. She could believe that when looking at his father. She had years of looking at parents and knowing how they would be as people based on their children.

"I--I am sorry. I didn't know there was two Pendragon's." She admitted, not having known they would page his father and not him. Leon spoke up then, and reached over to place a hand on her shoulder in support. 'A drunk driver hit the school bus she was on, sir, and she hit her head very hard.' He explained, 'As is a friend of your sons, and thought it best he know she was here.' Thank you, she silently told her knight--or well officer whom was her knight in shining armor in this moment. "I didn't mean to brother you, I'm sorry for that."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Two Pendragons? Ah. When Leon went onto explain, Uther's initial assumptions had been right. She was a friend or 'friend' of his son's. Uther went back to reading her chart, skimming through the important notes . . . when he came across a point of interest. She was pregnant. Now, if she really was a friend then perhaps her situation had nothing to do with his son. Besides, Arthur would have told him right away if he had gotten a woman pregnant. But still. Uther had to be sure. "Leave us," he said in a voice as stern as his expression to Leon. The officer seemed hesitant to leave, but he would have to fill out some reports, as this was an accident -- one that involved a drunk driver.

Plus, Uther wanted to speak to Guinevère alone and determine how well she knew his son. When the police officer did as told, giving a final glance to the woman, Uther took a few steps closer to her, watching her very carefully. "How do you know my son?" He asked in a bit of a demanding voice. His question did not sound like out of genuine curiosity for the sake of making conversation. But rather, one filled with determination to obtain an answer.

[Guinevère]

She looked at Leon, and fought the urge to ask him to call Arthur for her. Because she was not in a room with her baby's father's father while wearing nothing but paper shirts. It wasn't the first meeting she had in visioned. Not even close. When the door shut, she looked over at Uther as he looked up from her chat-----OH! Her chat!

With her test papers. Her papers that told her the baby was fine. Uther had the papers. Uther was Arthur's father and he had the papers. How did she answer? How did she answer?!?!?! Her eyes moved from him tot he chat then back to him. "My father used to work for you, around one of your summer houses. I would play with Morgana when we were really young." But had not seen either of his children for over twenty years. Well, not til Arthur. She saw a good bit of him in the last week.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Uther didn't know who her father was for her last name did not sound familiar. Nor was that the focus of conversation. It was an ambiguous answer to his question but not a definitive one. And he planned to get to the bottom of this. To make sure that he wasn't going to be a grandfather any time soon. He took another step toward her, his expression unchanged. "Why did you feel the need to page him then?" When she seemed well looked after. Why was his son involved in any of this? Should she be more concerned with whoever the father of his baby was? Why wasn't he here? Instead, she was calling for Doctor Pendragon. "You best tell me the truth Miss Moran. Do not beat around the bush." Uther was not going to stand here playing 20 questions.

He expected to be told what was going on, and surely she would know as to what matter he was inquiring about. It didn't take a genius to figure out where the source of his concern was. It wasn't for her well being -- since she wasn't in critical condition. It was about the father of her child, and the link she seemed to have to his son. And his tone in which he spoke to her left no room for pleasantries or dragging out this conversation. Straight to business. That was how Uther always dealt in his interactions in the past. This was certainly no exception.

[Guinevère]

"Why did you feel the need to page him then?" "Because he is my friend, and works here, and I really needed a friend right now . . . particularly in this moment . . . " Because he was frightening her! Even after she hinted that he was, Uther still walked forward and spoke again, but this time she wondered if it was veiled threats or if his tone just always held power as if he single word was law. He looked so formidable and imposing.

"You best tell me the truth Miss Moran. Do not beat around the bush." She shivered, though she wasn't sure if it was from the chill of the paper shirt or his standing so much closer. Odd the son made her feel safe and the father made her frightened. Tears fell over her cheeks as a combination of her hormones, the wreak, the stress of the last few hours and now this made her feel weak and frightened. Standing she tired to casually move so the table was between them. She could see Leon though the window but he wasn't looking at her so she could not ask for help. "He is my friend, you can ask Officer . . . " What was hi last name?! "Leon. You can ask Leon, is a friend too." Sort of!

[Arthur Pendragon]

A friend? She was claiming that his son was just a friend as was Officer Leon, apparently. "How many friends do you need?" He questioned coldly. Had Leon not just been here? Why did she feel the need to his son as well? Well, Uther had his own answers to such questions. As he was highly disapproving of Arthur's lifestyle. Had this been a woman not pregnant, then he wouldn't have cared. But she was with child. And therefore, it became Uther's business to know the details of her birth. He noticed her get up and the tears pour down her cheek, but he was not a man who weakened at the sight of a crying woman. Besides, he was far too consumed in how Arthur's situation could potentially destroy the reputation of the name Pendragon. It was bad enough that Morgana and Arthur were at odds. The last thing he needed was for him to have a child out of wedlock.

Basically ignoring everything she just said, he continued on with his interrogation, pressing for information. "Young lady, I will order a paternity test if that what it takes. So either you tell me what you know I am asking now, or I will have to take more extreme measures to discover the truth." A slight less subtle threat. But surely she was not that stupid. Besides, why would she start crying and walking away from him if she didn't have something to hide? He just needed to hear it from her . . . even though he was already forming his own judgment. One that seldom ever changed for he was a stubborn man. And once his mind was made up, hell would freeze over before he would alter it.

[Guinevère]

"How many friends do you need?" She took a step back from the table, and then another but soon found her back tot he wall. "One can ne-never have enough friends." She answered, not sure why she was being stubborn but his earlier words sounded like a threat--almost--and she wasn't sure she should tell him what he wanted to know with out Arthur. "Perhaps you should ask your son." So Arthur could handle this--WHERE WAS ARTHUR ANYWAY!? She screamed in her mind.

"Young lady, I will order a paternity test if that what it takes." NO! While pregnant these sort of tests could run the risk of hurting the child or causing a miscarriage! She'd though she read about that, where they used a huge needle! He could not do that with out her permission! She would not give it! Not at all! Panic was setting in for he was speaking as if he could! As if he WOULD! "So either you tell me what you know I am asking now, or--" OR?! "--I will have to take more extreme measures to discover the truth." THAT was threat! She knew one when she heard it! Tears were flooding down her cheeks now, as she looked again to the window, only this time Leon did look up, and take notice of her.

"I will refuse!" She told him, knowing that as an officer of the law Leon could not let them do anything to her she did not wish. "What is between me and Arthur and the baby is between us! But I will not risk my child because you have doubts." Leon then opened the door, 'Is everything alright?' He asked, looking between them, but Guinevère ran forward and past him, letting him stand between them. Her meeting with his father was over! Forever! He scared her and she felt quite honestly that her child was at risk around him. As Leon helped her walk toward a seat--as she was not quite steady--she told him everything, knowing he would not have a choice but to keep the elder Pendragon away from her baby!

[Arthur Pendragon]

"I will refuse!" Oh she would would she? No matter. Uther would make Arthur do it and his son would dare not disobey him. He didn't care if it would compromise his relationship with the woman. If this was true, then Arthur should have told him before! Not made him find out this way. But her words finally confirmed it. Or well, gave Uther more reason to believe that she was carrying his son's child. Or . . . claiming to. It was no secret that the Pendragons were a rich family. He wouldn't be surprised if this woman was hoping to exploit them. All the more reason to have a paternity test. Uther watched her run out of the room crying, and stormed out himself, not paying attention to the police officer or her. He caught only a few words of their conversation, enough to know what was going on. Which caused Uther to return to his office, and make a very necessary phone call.

The casual date with Mithian had been going well thus far. But . . . not as good as it could be. Because Arthur's mind was distracted the entire time. It had been hours since he'd heard from Guinevère, and it was rather uncharacteristic of her to not reply. Granted, he previous replies had always been a bit laconic, but still. He couldn't help but have a bad feeling in his gut. Enough to distract him from paying full attention to Mithian. Which, he would have felt bad for . . . had he been able to focus enough to apologize. Never the less, she was still fairly good company, and they had hit it off rather well. Coffee had turned into lunch, which turned into hours of conversation. Until they forced themselves to leave the restaurant, and Arthur gave her a ride home. Stopping outside her house she asked if he would like to come in for coffee. 'Coffee'. Everyone knew that coffee wasn't really coffee, even at this time. And he mentally debated for a few moments.

"Thanks, but maybe some other time. I actually have some rounds to make at the hospital." That was a lie. He was only on call; he didn't actually have to go there. Truth be told, he would probably just go home. But, he just felt . . . odd about this. When otherwise he wouldn't have thought twice about it. She seemed to understand his answer, being a nurse herself and not detecting any hint of a lie. Thank goodness. Arthur wasn't even ready to tell his friends or own family that he was going to be a father. He certainly didn't want to blurt it out to his date. He walked her to the door, they said goodbye . . . and that was that. Arthur returned to his car. At that exact moment his phone rang, and he put on his blue tooth as he answered it, seeing the number and realizing it was his father. "Hello Father," he greeted formally, as always.

[Guinevère]

"Hello Father," "You need to report to my office. With in the hour."

Guinevère could no longer see Uther, but she could see Leon, as he was using his cell to call Arthur as well. She was moved back to the little room, and a nurse was using what looked like two really long one sided q-tips to clean the cut the cut on the side of her head. Apparently her head had hit the area for book bags and baggage over head. They said she was lucky she didn't snap her neck--they used that term and she shivered, feeling very lucky and very frightened all over again.

They used words like concussion, and told her not to fall sleep for a few hours to make sure she was alright. The bruise was starting to show slightly though her skin, and she found a few scraps on her arm from broken glass. She could hear Leon speaking now, "Arthur! You need to come to the ER, and avoid your father for a bit!"