An Unexpected Surprise [Modern AU]

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur chuckled at her apparent excitement, to the point that she was at such a loss for words. "Lets start with whats closest then," Arthur said in agreement. "Excellent! That would be the elephants. Just follow me outside to the car when you are ready!" Or the mini cart was more like it. With those words, Grettir handed Arthur the camera. Turning it on, Arthur quickly turned to look at Guinevère and took a picture. "Now I have your surprise and excitement captured," he stated proudly with a cheeky smile.

"Ready?" He asked as he went to the door, holding it open for her to walk out first where there was a golf cart type vehicle waiting for them, with Grettir in the driver's seat. Their tour guide was already talking. "So first we'll see the elephants. They are fairly tame you don't have to be scared standing so close to them or when you feed them." Because giraffes weren't the only animals they were going to feed. Offering his hand to help Guinevère into their transportation, he then went over to his side and sat down next to her.

[Guinevère]

She saw the flash and turned to look at Arthur noticing a camera! Laughing as he explained he now had a photos of her surprise she shook her head, "I want a million photos from today." She demanded, knowing that her new home would be FILLED with them now! She was going to need SO many frames! Everywhere would be animals! Photos of her and Arthur at the zoo!!

Their host was speaking but Guinevère could not look away from Arthur until she heard the part about not being afraid by standing near the elephants. Her eyes moved to him, shocked they'd get to stand near them. "or when you feed them." FEED THEM?!?! Her eyes moved back to Arthur in shocked surprise as she whispered loudly, "He thinks we can feed them!?!!!" She told him as if he had not heard!

FEED An elephant! She had been a teacher for years but in this moment she was so surprise and excited she could not even tell Arthur what elephants ate! "Really?!"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur chuckled once again in amusement at her surprise. It looked to be more excitement than fear, which was good. Since he didn't know how she would have felt being so close to them . . . and now he did know. "Feeding the elephants, giraffes, camels, penguins, and whatever other animals they let us." Obviously there were some that they were would restricted to, so Arthur just named a few that he was entirely certain of. When making the arrangements, he had explained them that they wanted to feed or pet as many as they could . . . and it didn't seem like an issue. Especially when he had left the sum open to whatever price it cost.

"Unless you'd rather not get your hands dirty," he teased jokingly. She didn't seem like the kind of person who minded, but he wanted to just be sure . . and hope he didn't assume too much. Though the excitement in her eyes assured him that he had not made the wrong choice. Besides, she seemed to have a love for animals and this was the best way he knew how to help her express that love.

[Guinevère]

SO MANY! Animals to touch and play with! HOW were they even allowed?! That was when she knew why they were being allowed to do these things. When her mind caught up to be reasonable. Money. There was no other reason that she would be doing this then Arthur making a 'donation' to the zoo. "Arthur," She said his name very seriously, because this was important to her. She waited until he looked into her eyes and gave it a moment so he would see just how important her next words were to him.

"Thank you for this." She said slowly, knowing that he had more then 'planned' this, and wanting him to know that she more then thought it just simply wonderful. Stretching up slightly she kissed his lips softly but lingering. When she pulled back just enough to whisper her next words their lips brushed, "And you need not fear, I am not afraid to get dirty." Then she kissed his again a little more suggestive before."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur looked at her when she said his name . . . and then thanked him. He wasn't sure what he had been expecting her to say, but felt relieved when it was gratitude. And he felt even better when she reached up to kiss his lips. How was it that every time she kissed him, it always left him breathless and slightly flustered. No woman ever made him feel this way, and he couldn't quite describe what emotions it was. Was it because she carried his child that he had a strong affection for her? Was it unrelated to that? He had no idea. He only knew that out of all the women he had been with, she was the only one who constantly had this effect on him. Taking a moment to focus on slowing his heavy heart beat -- which proved to be ineffective because her next words and kiss were even more suggestive than before. He just looked at her intently before closing his eyes to now lose himself in this slightly more suggestive kiss, one he returned by deepening.

Not wanting to pull away, but forcing himself to, he kept his face rather close to hers, slowly opening his eyes as he looked into her beautiful brown ones. "Good," he said in a low whisper, knowing it could only be heard by her due to the close proximity of their lips. Leaning forward, he moved toward her ear to whisper in it, before kissing the side of her cheek. "Though I can think of a few ways we could get cleaned up." Another suggestive comment all together. He knew that after she had gotten upset with him -- when he called her a friend to Sir Leon -- that she had not trusted herself with him. And even though they had spent a few nights together, in innocence, he didn't want to place any pressure on her. So he moved his head back so that he could look at her once more and smiled, still in awe over how she seemed to grow more and more beautiful every time he saw her. "Come on. Lets go explore this place." Hopefully, in a way she never had before.

[Guinevère]

He was being suggestive and it send a little secret thrill with in her. "I can as well." A shower together, or even a nice long warm bath were they could just soak. "However, before you think too much on that, you have to get dirty first!" A reminder--not that they needed it!--of where they were! THE ZOO! She had never been to this part of a zoo before and she wanted to see everything!

Normally her trips were mostly keeping up with children more then watching the animals and seeing how they were or looking--really looking--at the exhibits Arthur's back-stage-pass was a dream! Apart of her knew it was his money that got them here, and she should feel bad about his spending it on this but she was too excited to see everything that she couldn't summon any more guilt. "I cannot wait to fill the flat with all the photos!"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Her excitement was so genuine, and he truly couldn't get over that. He loved seeing her so happy, and hoped that today proved that their relationship didn't solely consist of fighting. That they could get along well. That they could be friends at the very least. Taking her hand in his, he smiled, following their guide as he took them toward the first animals they would be visiting. "As long as I get at least one of you with the giraffes, then you can have all the other photos," he told her teasingly -- though not entirely jokingly. For he was serious when he said he wanted a picture with them.

"Just let me know when you get tired, and we can break for a while." She was after all still recovering from her accident, and of course she was pregnant. He did not wish to tire her and hoped she would be honest whenever she felt the need for rest. Though she didn't seem like someone who was anything but honest. Just one of the many traits he found rather appealing in her.

[Guinevère]

He spoke of her becoming tired and she laughed at the idea of not being able to keep up with the excitement of today. "Normally I am here with around twenty children," She reminded him, "I might not have the energy I am used too, but with how excited I am for today I doubt my feet will touch the ground even with tomorrow."

She felt a thrill of excitement just at being with him here, but being here and seeing the animals . . . . "Perhaps we can have a photo together?" She asked, wondering if he would like that or if it was too presumptuous if her. "We can feel the animals and have a few to show the baby in a few years of our first date." Or well, their first official outing. Was this their first? Was this a date date? "Just for fun."

[Arthur Pendragon]

He couldn't imagine coming here with twenty excited children . . . but he also knew that Guinevère could handle it, if she had such a love for her job. In the same way Arthur could handle twenty patients. Because it was what they had been trained to do. What they had dedicated their career to. "Well luckily, you only have to come here with one baby," he said, of course referring to their unborn child, who was growing more and more every day. "I like the sound of that," he told her, when she suggested a picture together for their baby . . . and did not miss her mention this as their first date. He supposed that technically it was, and then began to think of how he could have -- should have -- made it better. Usually with first dates, he would take the woman out to a nice fancy, expensive restaurant.

Yet their first planned date had been . . . the zoo. And yet, she seemed perfectly happy with that. And oddly enough, so was he. "I think this would make for a better picture than having taken one at our last time spent together; us chasing after your scarf," he said jokingly, keeping the mood light and humorous as they neared the first area . . . with the elephants. Their tour guide gave further explanation of the elephants, like their names, age and such . . . and opened the gate for them to step inside so that they could go closer to feed them. He had told the guide prior that Guinevère was expecting, and wanted to make sure that the environments were completely safe for a pregnant woman. The elephants seemed tame enough, but even still, Arthur would keep a careful eye on them. So with her hand still held in his, he stepped inside and remained protectively close her.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère out her hand on her belly as Arthur teased her about coming here with one kid, though she wondered if he was talking about the baby or himself. "You are a bit much to handle," She teased him. His comments about the scarf however had her blushing pink. For they had found themselves in a rather compromising place--and he still had her under things!

However she could not reply for the guide had started speaking of the elephants and Guinevère found her eyes wide and her mind either blank from the excitement--or going so far so fast that her millions upon trillions of thoughts could not be sorted into words!! Following the guide in, she took Arthur's hand and kept an eye on them. "Arthur, if you had asked me an hour ago what was something I have never done before and never thought I would do . . . I would not even be able to guess such a sight!" She felt so small and in awe of the massive animals. Her fingers held his tighter as her bright eyed smile could not look away.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur smiled when she spoke of never having been able to guess that she would be doing this. "Good. I was going for the element of surprise. I'm glad it worked," he said, still smiling. Truth be told, he'd never taken a woman to the zoo before. Then again, he'd never met anyone quite like Guinevère before. Not only because she was the first to be carrying his child . . . but for many other reasons that he still didn't understand, nor could put into words. He was not going to spend today over thinking it. Instead, he was just going to enjoy what the day had in store for them, knowing that it was mostly enjoyable because of the company he was in right now.

The guide said something about feeding them, and Arthur reached out to take some of the leaves that the guide offered. He then passed it to Guinevère for her to take, noticing that one of the elephants was already making its way over to them. "Since you like feeding others," he said somewhat teasingly, though with truth. She had cooked for him, and had told him how she enjoyed cooking for others and such. Of course this was different, but still. He couldn't help but tease her for it.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère reached out and took the leaves from him, smiling brighter then had for months. Turning she watched and waited while the animal approached her. Reaching with one hand, out behind her, she pulled Arthur's arm around her middle. "Don't let me fall," She whispered but her tone said that she trusted him to do it would her asking as well. It seemed that this would be the beginning of the whole day. She would always be asking him to stay close while he took her on the adventure of her wildest dreams.

She knew she was light enough that one good tug could sent her up in the air, or falling off balance. It was why she felt better with him there. As it got close enough for her to feed, she reached her hand out and touched it's trunk, laughing brightly as their day officially began. And it would continue on as thus, with one animal after the next. Elephants, monkeys--who seemed to want to playfully attack Arthur--penguins, lamas, even some of the reptilians and smaller creatures! Finally the giraffes came, and they fed them supper!

Guinevère loved every moment, but helping Arthur feed the tallest of animals became her favorite part. When he finally tucked her into the car, she fell asleep almost before they got out of the park. It had been a bliss day, and she had never enjoyed a date so very, very much.

[Arthur Pendragon]

He smiled when she told him not to let him fall. "Never," he assured her as she then proceeded to feed the animal. And that was how the day started. The wonderful day they shared, filled with laughter and pure enjoyment. Proof that they could indeed spend time together without arguing and without tension. Today had been clear evidence of that and he enjoyed himself far more than he had on any other date. He had never brought a woman to a zoo, yet he had also never seen a woman so genuinely appreciative and excited to be here. It made the experience all the more wonderful, and made him want to do so much more for her, now learning that it was not about the money spent . . . but the sentiment behind it. When the day came it its regrettable end, they thanked their guide and began to drive back home. Guinevère was quick to fall asleep, which was perfect.

She needed to get as much rest as she could and she had been on her feet for quite a long time today. It could be draining for a woman carrying a child, and now, he just wanted her to rest for the remainder of the day. With that in mind, he stopped to pick up some dinner so that she would not have to cook, and then continued to drive to her house. When they arrived, he gently touched her shoulder, not wanting to abruptly wake her up. "Guinevère," he said in a soft voice. "We're at your home," he added, so that she knew he was waking her up for a reason. With those words, he got out of the car and went to her side to open the door for her, extending his hand to help her out.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère heard him speak to her, and she blinked her eyes slowly open before looking around. Home? She must have slept rather then keep him company! How rude of her after he did all this to be kind! As he opened her door, she took his hand. "I'm sorry!" She said sheepishly, "I didn't mean to sleep on you! I wanted to stay up and talk to you."

"Would you like to come up?" She asked, then began to smell the food. Had he planned to stay?! She looked at the bags, then at his face while breaking into a bright smile. "We can have supper," She teased, loving that he had done this for them, so they could have more time to rest after a long day. "I will even put up the household pet."

[Arthur Pendragon]

"You have nothing to apologize for," he quickly reassured her. "Its understandable that you're exhausted. I'm glad you were able to sleep." She needed as much rest as she could get. He smiled at her question, and then her following suggestion regarding supper. "If you're not too sick of me yet, then I thought we could have some dinner." It had been a bit presumptuous on his part, but it was not as if they had argued or were at odds. The extra time he could spend with her was welcome . . . and he was glad that judging from her suggestion, it was not one sided.

He picked up the bag of food from the back as they made their way to her door. "You don't have to put him away." He couldn't believe he was saying that! That damn ferret attacked him whenever he got the chance."I have to get used to him at some point." Because it did not seem like she was getting rid of him any time soon, and Arthur would of course be spending more and more time with Guinevère in the days, weeks, months to come. And then of course, they would have to figure out arrangements for after she had the baby. But he was not about to start that debate again.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère laughed softly at his teasing back at her, "I do not think that I have yet grown sick of you. In fact, I think I might miss you when you go." To his own home, his own life. She wanted everyday to be like this one. Not him spending too much money, but just them together without fighting or something dangerous happening. Like ferrets attacking.

"If you feed him, he might like you more." She offered, knowing that was the key to any man. "I will get you some of the treats he likes next time I go to the pet store, and let you give them to him. See if that does not win you over." and to test how casual they were being, she made a joke about the time he dropped his pants because he felt her pet crawling up a leg. "Though he does get you out of your pants faster then I ever did." With that slightly shocking comment, she blushed and turned to walk quickly ahead.

[Arthur Pendragon]

He smiled, giving a slight chuckle when she spoke of how she may miss him if he left. Truth be told, he felt quite relieved to hear her say that. To hear that she wanted him to be with her, rather than find reasons for him to stay away. He knew that they had many disagreements, but they today proved they were capable of just being themselves; of just enjoying one another's company. It was a wonderful thing and for him to hear her imply that she did not want it to be over, made him feel quite happy indeed, for the feeling was a mutual one. "Then I warn you, your ferret is going to get pretty fat in the days to come," he said, only half kidding. If treats was the way to get Lucifer to like him, then Arthur was going to stuff that ferrets snout with them. He was about to say something else, when Guinevère's comment made pause. He had not been expecting her to say something so . . . flirtatious. Yes. That was what it was. Clearly. She seemed embarrassed by her own words judging from how she hurried ahead. Now, he had two options. He could either ignore the comment. Or, he could encourage the playful remark. He walked toward her place, casually standing next to her as she opened the door for them.

"Well you know what they say . . . practice makes perfect." The thought of 'practicing' was certainly an appealing one. Though he had not forgotten her words in the park. While he wanted to respect the boundaries she had set in their relationship . . . there was something about her. Something that made it nearly impossible to contain his desires. While he had done so thus far, and did not plan to take anything further tonight . . . he also knew that upon the first suggestion she made, or sign of consent, he would not hesitate for a moment. He had to remind himself that he could not though. Not unless she was comfortable with it. He had to respect her wishes. Yes. Right. And yet . . . the thoughts that rose in his mind from her comment, suddenly was making that self control he already lacked, all the more difficult. No! He had food. Dinner. He was to be a gentleman tonight and then go home. The last thing he wanted to do was encourage her do something that she may later regret.

[Guinevère]

"Then I have to make sure not too buy too many," She continued the tease. Then he made the comment about practice making perfect. Guinevère unlocked the door and looked up at him for a moment. She smiled brightly as she just looked at him. Her eyes fell over him and then she turned to walk into her home. "Time will tell."

She was being bold tonight! Shockingly so! Still, she was rather hungry so she would blame this moment on the lack of food in her own system. She would let him shut and lock the the door, so Guinevère walked to the kitchen and got glasses, plates, and some silverware for them to use. "Do you wan to sit at the table or on the couch?" Either would work, for she could get off her feet. Though the couch might be more comfortable, the table would offer better support if they needed to rest their plate on it.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Time will tell? How very interesting indeed. Quite intriguing words. Arthur wouldn't encourage that particular tease for the time being. He didn't wish to create any awkwardness or place expectations or pressures on her. He had no expectations in terms of how intimate they would be tonight. They were simply having dinner together. He waited for her to enter before following her in and closing the door behind him as she asked him if he would rather sit at the table or on the couch.

"So you got a new table then?" He asked. After what had happened to her last one . . . what they had done to it . . . he had wished she'd let him buy her one. But if there was one thing he had been quick to learn about her, it was that she did not wish for his money to be spent on her. It was after all one of the things she was rather adamant about. "Anywheres fine," he said, setting the bag of food on the kitchen table. "Wherever you're most comfortable," he added. He could sit anywhere really. It was more the company that made for the pleasant experience rather than where they were seated.

[Guinevère]

Guinevère had gotten a small little cheap temporary table. It was a fold out card table, that was thin and held little weight. If he tried too. . . . with her on . . . It would break instantly. "I have this one until after the move." She told him, while think about where they could sit. "We can just relax on the couch tonight." That would get them away from the table memories. Guinevère reached behind her, intending to touch his arm while looking at her drinks in the refrigerator, and ask him what he wanted.

It was a few moments before she noticed that it was not his arm but his lower belly she was touching. "I have a wide variety to drink tonight, everything from juices of all kinds, smoothies, and since I didn't know what kind of--Oh!" Turning she looked at where she was touching, and then up at him with a blush. "Sorry." For to overly causal and intimate touching.