14 Days of A/G:Fic:Midnight Meetings
Title: Midnight Meetings
Characters/Pairings: Arthur/Guinevere
Rating/Warnings: PG-13
Spoilers: Set after events of 2x13
Disclaimer: still own absolutely nothing
Summary: Gwen sneaks in to see Arthur after he returns home from the dragon fight set after 2x13
Word Count: 2,416
Author’s notes: for Camelot_love’s 14 days of love. Prompt was F-53. Midnight meetings. (CANON). And was prompted by felix_aeternus I hope you like it. =D Not sure how I feel about this one tbh, I go from liking it to thinking it’s not that good…maybe that’s just me being funny…hopefully you’ll all enjoy it =D Comments are ♥
Midnight Meetings
Gwen shouldn’t be here, she knows she shouldn’t be here. Already tonight she’s been far too reckless. Honestly, throwing her arms around a prince in a fierce hug where anyone could have seen them and mostly likely did, was not appropriate but she’d been so relived to see that he’d safely returned; so scared that she’d lost him, all thoughts of station and fitting etiquette had fled her mind as quickly as a new born deer stands. It was wrong that she’d come here, crept in at midnight, avoiding guards, sneaking about the castle like a common criminal just to…well to see his face again, for she had no purpose, only a need. A desire that burned within her too fiercely to be smothered; that it had made her abandon all reason.
When she had opened the door to Arthur’s chambers she’d first seen Merlin preparing a bowl of water while a now armourless Arthur was slumped in a chair next to the table in a loose fitting red shirt, legs stretched out, arms limp on the armrests and head thrown back in utter exhaustion. Hearing the door creak Arthur’s head had abruptly erected to see who the intruder was, features immediately softening and a surprised half smile starting to form on his lips as Gwen’s face came into focus. Merlin had only glanced in the direction of the door and smiled when he saw who it was completely unabashed as if by some miraculous gift he’d already know that she’d come.
Then without even waiting for Arthur’s dismissal or for either of them to speak one word, had walked towards the door as he said cheerfully “Gwen, hello, what a surprise, well seeing as you’re here I suppose you can take care of mister tired pants over there, give me a break from him,” he gestured behind his head towards Arthur who was still staring intently at Gwen.
“Though he looks as if he’s perked up a bit now, very strange, must be the company, well night.” And with a quick knowing grin and wink to Gwen he’d left whistling, closing the door shut behind him.
How long they stood there just simply staring at each she didn’t know, time seemed to stop; minutes melding into hours till right was left and white was black. Arthur’s eyes seemed to see right through her and into her soul, as if every moment she’d ever lived was on display and he could see it all, her flaws, her perfections. Finally she’d broken the silence, speaking so softly she wondered if he’d even heard her.
“I..I..umm, here let me.” her voice was broken and timid, get a grip she told herself. He’d frowned slightly at her in confusion but as he followed her gaze to the table and the awaiting bowl he’d realised her intention and a shadow of a smile was seen. Inclining his head a little he gave silent permission. Slowly Gwen walked towards him, keeping her eyes on the scraps of torn cloth, afraid of what she might do, how more reckless she would be if she held his gaze any longer. Butterflies where fluttering madly in her stomach and were only increased by the feel of his stare which was still on her. Her heart was beating hard and fast; it felt as if it might just burst free from its flesh prison. It was only a short distance between them but the walk seemed to take all her energy, her legs feeling like jelly below her.
Finally she had reached him and with Arthur still watching her intently, Gwen had dipped a piece of cotton into the water, wringing it out before ultimately turning and facing him, gaze still hesitant as it met blue. Arthur was still standing, towering over her, his eyes fixed on her face with an expression that Gwen could not read but that made her heart flip over a hundred times. He was so very close, how had they gotten so close; did he move closer, had she? Her thoughts a whirl; breath coming sharp. He was looking at her in that way again; eyes soft and sparkling like blue diamonds on a canvas of silk, just like he did before he’d first kissed her on that fated day where everything changed. But there was a hesitation in his features as if he was looking for an answer but Gwen didn’t know the question. Nervously she smiled up at him, hoping it gave him whatever he needed and from the way his eyes sparkled and his lips turned upwards it seemed to answer the unspoken query.
Arthur leant down gradually as if giving her a way out, but the power that had led her was too strong to fight and Gwen was done fighting. Swiftly she lifted up on her toes meeting his lips halfway in a soft and tender embrace reminiscent of their first kiss, but it soon grew more passionate as if they were finally allowing themselves to be free of the chains that held them back, of duty, angst and miscommunications. Arthur’s arms wrapped themselves around her waist pulling her in as close as possible, while Gwen’s did the exact same thing around his neck, dripping cloth still clasped in her right hand. There was a moan and a sigh but Gwen couldn’t place the owner of the noise, she supposed it was them both. Before Gwen lost all control she reluctantly pulled back from the kiss but only enough for their lips to part, their foreheads remained touching, enlisting a groan of protest from Arthur.
Breathlessly she spoke “I need to clean your eye.”
“No, you don’t need to do that you need kiss me some more” and as if to prove his point he pushed his lips against hers once more, tugging her body back into his. Gwen sighed into Arthur’s mouth and after continuing in this manner till once more the fabrication of time was whatever they willed it to be, Gwen once more, however unwilling she was, pulled back.
“Arthur,” she said in the best compelling voice she could muster when her heart was beating a hundred times a minute.
“Ok, ok,” he resigned. Sighing he plopped himself back into the chair, as Gwen bought the cloth up to his face.
“You’re a fickle mistress you know,” Arthur smirked up at her.
Laughing and rolling her eyes, Gwen gently began dabbing the wet cloth in her hand against the bloodied cut above his left eye. He hissed and flinched slightly at the initial contact, but after growing used to the stinging sensation, she felt him leaning into her touch, pressing himself more firmly against her hand.
“You know Arthur they say good things come to those who wait.” She had said it jokingly and without thinking but only now did she realise the implications, but it was too late to stuff the words back in. Arthur’s eyes had widened slightly, his eyebrows rising.
“Really, well that’s good to know…how long does one have to wait?” his tone was good-humoured but a fierce blush still sprang up on Gwen’s face like a flower opening quickly to the sun’s light.
She coughed placing the used wet cloth down and instead picked up a dry one whilst trying to shake off her embarrassment. Arthur chuckled and knocked his leg playfully against hers winking at her. Gwen rolled her eyes, giggled and shook her head in amusement; thankful for his attempt to bring her back into a more comfortable atmosphere.
They remained in comfortable silence whilst Gwen dried the cut, happy to simply enjoy each other’s presence, listening to each breath the other made. During this peaceful moment Arthur’s hand came to rest absentmindedly against Gwen’s hip and began tracing soft circles into the material, as Arthur’s eyes drifted shut, Gwen’s hands lulling him into a contented restfulness. His touch was soft but it made the skin under Gwen’s dress burn red hot, her stomach began clenching and her thoughts took a wild turn. Drawing her bottom lip into her mouth via her teeth she tried to focus on her task and strike up a conversation in hopes that it would stop her wandering mind.
“You know for facing a dragon, you came out rather unscathed.”
“Mmmm” Arthur hummed opening his eyes and turning his face up to look into her brown eyes. It was evident that she’d stirred him from deep thoughts and from the way his eyes were glistening with a darker glint than before, Gwen had a feeling it was the same thoughts she was having. This was not good, no not good at all, she couldn’t, they couldn’t, well no they could but they shouldn’t; no, definitely not. Gwen’s heart was racing now, her stomach churning fighting with the unaccountable desire to just throw caution to the wind. All she’d have to do was reach out, no, no, this was not good, this couldn’t happen. No, he was a prince, a prince, a future king and she was a servant, a handmaiden. But hadn’t they fought enough. Hadn’t the events of the last weeks shown how precious each moment was? But she hadn’t come here for that, had she?
The tension was building between them; she could feel it. He was staring at her in his way again, burning right though to her core and mesmerizing her. He seemed so focused on her, on each detail of her face, as if he’d never seen such a thing before and it only made her crave him more. With each second that passed the air was becoming heated, Gwen’s lungs where having trouble producing the oxygen required and her head was starting to become light, as if floating on a cloud. And then for no reason at all she was speaking, voice dreamlike, un-recognisable to even her.
“I thought I’d lost you.”
Arthur’s lips curled upwards.
“You said earlier.”
No he didn’t understand. He was too distracted. He didn’t get what she was trying to say, truth be told she didn’t even know what she was trying to say, she just knew she had to say it before she could fully let it all go. Grabbing both sides of his face between her palms and letting the cloth fall to the floor next to her feet she tried again.
“No, I thought, I’d lost you.” Her brown eyes where searching his face frantically now, praying he’d understood. She didn’t think they’d been parted by death, she thought she’d lost him before then, beginning with a talk in a corridor and forever closing doors ‘my father would never understand’, ‘truth is I only came because Morgana begged me too’, ‘come to wish me luck because I really don’t think I need it anymore’.
She needed an answer, needed it now. It was as if the next thing he said would either soothe her, allow her heart to continue to beat with new intensity or tear her to shreds. She stroked his cheeks as she waited, holding her breath and biting her lip with such force she thought she might make it bleed. His blue looked into her brown as everything around them disappeared into nothingness. There was only this, only him and her. Arthur brought his hands up to clasp Gwen’s and spoke voice rough and full of emotion.
“I know, I thought I’d lost you,”
Gwen sighed heavily letting out the breath she’d didn’t know she’d even been holding, bringing her forehead forward resting and pushing it against his, nodding. She’d played her own part in their divide. I can not be your queen. Arthur pushed back against her forehead and squeezed her hands, his thumb rubbing soft circles into her skin.
‘But I’m here; I’ve always been here Guinevere.”
Gwen half laughs, sobs, sighs, so relived and happy that she doesn’t quite know what to do with herself. She falls into Arthur’s lap sitting sideways, twisting her body so that her chest is pressed against his, heart to heart. Her arms snake there way around his neck burrowing themselves into his hair, while his own rub themselves up and her down her arms a few times in a soothing manner, before finally dropping to her waist. They are both clinging to each other with so much force; Gwen almost believes that at any moment they will meld into one.
“Stay with me?”
Arthur voice is timid, unsure and when Gwen pulls back to look him squarely in the eyes she can see his vulnerability, the confident prince evaporated, just a beating heart. She smiles and it’s soft and warm, realisation blossoming within her chest.
“I was hoping you’d say that” and it was true. Somewhere along the line from a broken conversation in her house in front of a rose, to a hand over a heart, to a dragon’s fiery threat, a curtain had come down, a switch flipped. This was more important than all of it, Uther’s approval or traditional protocol, none of it mattered. It all could be taken away so quickly, life and death but a breath away.
Arthur beamed as her soft voice floated into his ears; face lighting up like a child’s when they realise they’ve just gotten the best present ever. He kisses at her exposed collarbone and up her neck till he reaches her lips, making her moan and sigh in pleasure, before grabbing her face in his hands, the touch passionate and yet so soft and gentle that it melts her heart, pulling her face as close as he can into his. Her own hands move to clasps at his wrists pressing her lips against his and returning the kiss with as much passion and suddenly shy, handmaiden Gwen who knows and follows all the rules is gone and a far more confident person takes over, a woman that was locked deep inside her, reserved for only one.
Gwen knew full well how damaging this could be, the trouble it could cause but her heart no longer cared; she was tired of fighting her feelings, denying her heart what it wanted. Why should she, when it was obvious it was not unrequited, that this was not a game but something much more deep and true? So Gwen made her choice, she chose love and if doing so meant that she would have to face a storm then so be it, she wouldn’t do it alone.
Characters/Pairings: Arthur/Guinevere
Rating/Warnings: PG-13
Spoilers: Set after events of 2x13
Disclaimer: still own absolutely nothing
Summary: Gwen sneaks in to see Arthur after he returns home from the dragon fight set after 2x13
Word Count: 2,416
Author’s notes: for Camelot_love’s 14 days of love. Prompt was F-53. Midnight meetings. (CANON). And was prompted by felix_aeternus I hope you like it. =D Not sure how I feel about this one tbh, I go from liking it to thinking it’s not that good…maybe that’s just me being funny…hopefully you’ll all enjoy it =D Comments are ♥
Midnight Meetings
Gwen shouldn’t be here, she knows she shouldn’t be here. Already tonight she’s been far too reckless. Honestly, throwing her arms around a prince in a fierce hug where anyone could have seen them and mostly likely did, was not appropriate but she’d been so relived to see that he’d safely returned; so scared that she’d lost him, all thoughts of station and fitting etiquette had fled her mind as quickly as a new born deer stands. It was wrong that she’d come here, crept in at midnight, avoiding guards, sneaking about the castle like a common criminal just to…well to see his face again, for she had no purpose, only a need. A desire that burned within her too fiercely to be smothered; that it had made her abandon all reason.
When she had opened the door to Arthur’s chambers she’d first seen Merlin preparing a bowl of water while a now armourless Arthur was slumped in a chair next to the table in a loose fitting red shirt, legs stretched out, arms limp on the armrests and head thrown back in utter exhaustion. Hearing the door creak Arthur’s head had abruptly erected to see who the intruder was, features immediately softening and a surprised half smile starting to form on his lips as Gwen’s face came into focus. Merlin had only glanced in the direction of the door and smiled when he saw who it was completely unabashed as if by some miraculous gift he’d already know that she’d come.
Then without even waiting for Arthur’s dismissal or for either of them to speak one word, had walked towards the door as he said cheerfully “Gwen, hello, what a surprise, well seeing as you’re here I suppose you can take care of mister tired pants over there, give me a break from him,” he gestured behind his head towards Arthur who was still staring intently at Gwen.
“Though he looks as if he’s perked up a bit now, very strange, must be the company, well night.” And with a quick knowing grin and wink to Gwen he’d left whistling, closing the door shut behind him.
How long they stood there just simply staring at each she didn’t know, time seemed to stop; minutes melding into hours till right was left and white was black. Arthur’s eyes seemed to see right through her and into her soul, as if every moment she’d ever lived was on display and he could see it all, her flaws, her perfections. Finally she’d broken the silence, speaking so softly she wondered if he’d even heard her.
“I..I..umm, here let me.” her voice was broken and timid, get a grip she told herself. He’d frowned slightly at her in confusion but as he followed her gaze to the table and the awaiting bowl he’d realised her intention and a shadow of a smile was seen. Inclining his head a little he gave silent permission. Slowly Gwen walked towards him, keeping her eyes on the scraps of torn cloth, afraid of what she might do, how more reckless she would be if she held his gaze any longer. Butterflies where fluttering madly in her stomach and were only increased by the feel of his stare which was still on her. Her heart was beating hard and fast; it felt as if it might just burst free from its flesh prison. It was only a short distance between them but the walk seemed to take all her energy, her legs feeling like jelly below her.
Finally she had reached him and with Arthur still watching her intently, Gwen had dipped a piece of cotton into the water, wringing it out before ultimately turning and facing him, gaze still hesitant as it met blue. Arthur was still standing, towering over her, his eyes fixed on her face with an expression that Gwen could not read but that made her heart flip over a hundred times. He was so very close, how had they gotten so close; did he move closer, had she? Her thoughts a whirl; breath coming sharp. He was looking at her in that way again; eyes soft and sparkling like blue diamonds on a canvas of silk, just like he did before he’d first kissed her on that fated day where everything changed. But there was a hesitation in his features as if he was looking for an answer but Gwen didn’t know the question. Nervously she smiled up at him, hoping it gave him whatever he needed and from the way his eyes sparkled and his lips turned upwards it seemed to answer the unspoken query.
Arthur leant down gradually as if giving her a way out, but the power that had led her was too strong to fight and Gwen was done fighting. Swiftly she lifted up on her toes meeting his lips halfway in a soft and tender embrace reminiscent of their first kiss, but it soon grew more passionate as if they were finally allowing themselves to be free of the chains that held them back, of duty, angst and miscommunications. Arthur’s arms wrapped themselves around her waist pulling her in as close as possible, while Gwen’s did the exact same thing around his neck, dripping cloth still clasped in her right hand. There was a moan and a sigh but Gwen couldn’t place the owner of the noise, she supposed it was them both. Before Gwen lost all control she reluctantly pulled back from the kiss but only enough for their lips to part, their foreheads remained touching, enlisting a groan of protest from Arthur.
Breathlessly she spoke “I need to clean your eye.”
“No, you don’t need to do that you need kiss me some more” and as if to prove his point he pushed his lips against hers once more, tugging her body back into his. Gwen sighed into Arthur’s mouth and after continuing in this manner till once more the fabrication of time was whatever they willed it to be, Gwen once more, however unwilling she was, pulled back.
“Arthur,” she said in the best compelling voice she could muster when her heart was beating a hundred times a minute.
“Ok, ok,” he resigned. Sighing he plopped himself back into the chair, as Gwen bought the cloth up to his face.
“You’re a fickle mistress you know,” Arthur smirked up at her.
Laughing and rolling her eyes, Gwen gently began dabbing the wet cloth in her hand against the bloodied cut above his left eye. He hissed and flinched slightly at the initial contact, but after growing used to the stinging sensation, she felt him leaning into her touch, pressing himself more firmly against her hand.
“You know Arthur they say good things come to those who wait.” She had said it jokingly and without thinking but only now did she realise the implications, but it was too late to stuff the words back in. Arthur’s eyes had widened slightly, his eyebrows rising.
“Really, well that’s good to know…how long does one have to wait?” his tone was good-humoured but a fierce blush still sprang up on Gwen’s face like a flower opening quickly to the sun’s light.
She coughed placing the used wet cloth down and instead picked up a dry one whilst trying to shake off her embarrassment. Arthur chuckled and knocked his leg playfully against hers winking at her. Gwen rolled her eyes, giggled and shook her head in amusement; thankful for his attempt to bring her back into a more comfortable atmosphere.
They remained in comfortable silence whilst Gwen dried the cut, happy to simply enjoy each other’s presence, listening to each breath the other made. During this peaceful moment Arthur’s hand came to rest absentmindedly against Gwen’s hip and began tracing soft circles into the material, as Arthur’s eyes drifted shut, Gwen’s hands lulling him into a contented restfulness. His touch was soft but it made the skin under Gwen’s dress burn red hot, her stomach began clenching and her thoughts took a wild turn. Drawing her bottom lip into her mouth via her teeth she tried to focus on her task and strike up a conversation in hopes that it would stop her wandering mind.
“You know for facing a dragon, you came out rather unscathed.”
“Mmmm” Arthur hummed opening his eyes and turning his face up to look into her brown eyes. It was evident that she’d stirred him from deep thoughts and from the way his eyes were glistening with a darker glint than before, Gwen had a feeling it was the same thoughts she was having. This was not good, no not good at all, she couldn’t, they couldn’t, well no they could but they shouldn’t; no, definitely not. Gwen’s heart was racing now, her stomach churning fighting with the unaccountable desire to just throw caution to the wind. All she’d have to do was reach out, no, no, this was not good, this couldn’t happen. No, he was a prince, a prince, a future king and she was a servant, a handmaiden. But hadn’t they fought enough. Hadn’t the events of the last weeks shown how precious each moment was? But she hadn’t come here for that, had she?
The tension was building between them; she could feel it. He was staring at her in his way again, burning right though to her core and mesmerizing her. He seemed so focused on her, on each detail of her face, as if he’d never seen such a thing before and it only made her crave him more. With each second that passed the air was becoming heated, Gwen’s lungs where having trouble producing the oxygen required and her head was starting to become light, as if floating on a cloud. And then for no reason at all she was speaking, voice dreamlike, un-recognisable to even her.
“I thought I’d lost you.”
Arthur’s lips curled upwards.
“You said earlier.”
No he didn’t understand. He was too distracted. He didn’t get what she was trying to say, truth be told she didn’t even know what she was trying to say, she just knew she had to say it before she could fully let it all go. Grabbing both sides of his face between her palms and letting the cloth fall to the floor next to her feet she tried again.
“No, I thought, I’d lost you.” Her brown eyes where searching his face frantically now, praying he’d understood. She didn’t think they’d been parted by death, she thought she’d lost him before then, beginning with a talk in a corridor and forever closing doors ‘my father would never understand’, ‘truth is I only came because Morgana begged me too’, ‘come to wish me luck because I really don’t think I need it anymore’.
She needed an answer, needed it now. It was as if the next thing he said would either soothe her, allow her heart to continue to beat with new intensity or tear her to shreds. She stroked his cheeks as she waited, holding her breath and biting her lip with such force she thought she might make it bleed. His blue looked into her brown as everything around them disappeared into nothingness. There was only this, only him and her. Arthur brought his hands up to clasp Gwen’s and spoke voice rough and full of emotion.
“I know, I thought I’d lost you,”
Gwen sighed heavily letting out the breath she’d didn’t know she’d even been holding, bringing her forehead forward resting and pushing it against his, nodding. She’d played her own part in their divide. I can not be your queen. Arthur pushed back against her forehead and squeezed her hands, his thumb rubbing soft circles into her skin.
‘But I’m here; I’ve always been here Guinevere.”
Gwen half laughs, sobs, sighs, so relived and happy that she doesn’t quite know what to do with herself. She falls into Arthur’s lap sitting sideways, twisting her body so that her chest is pressed against his, heart to heart. Her arms snake there way around his neck burrowing themselves into his hair, while his own rub themselves up and her down her arms a few times in a soothing manner, before finally dropping to her waist. They are both clinging to each other with so much force; Gwen almost believes that at any moment they will meld into one.
“Stay with me?”
Arthur voice is timid, unsure and when Gwen pulls back to look him squarely in the eyes she can see his vulnerability, the confident prince evaporated, just a beating heart. She smiles and it’s soft and warm, realisation blossoming within her chest.
“I was hoping you’d say that” and it was true. Somewhere along the line from a broken conversation in her house in front of a rose, to a hand over a heart, to a dragon’s fiery threat, a curtain had come down, a switch flipped. This was more important than all of it, Uther’s approval or traditional protocol, none of it mattered. It all could be taken away so quickly, life and death but a breath away.
Arthur beamed as her soft voice floated into his ears; face lighting up like a child’s when they realise they’ve just gotten the best present ever. He kisses at her exposed collarbone and up her neck till he reaches her lips, making her moan and sigh in pleasure, before grabbing her face in his hands, the touch passionate and yet so soft and gentle that it melts her heart, pulling her face as close as he can into his. Her own hands move to clasps at his wrists pressing her lips against his and returning the kiss with as much passion and suddenly shy, handmaiden Gwen who knows and follows all the rules is gone and a far more confident person takes over, a woman that was locked deep inside her, reserved for only one.
Gwen knew full well how damaging this could be, the trouble it could cause but her heart no longer cared; she was tired of fighting her feelings, denying her heart what it wanted. Why should she, when it was obvious it was not unrequited, that this was not a game but something much more deep and true? So Gwen made her choice, she chose love and if doing so meant that she would have to face a storm then so be it, she wouldn’t do it alone.