Merlin 1. The Taste of Freedom

**Summary:** Detective Chief Inspector Arthur Pendragon forms an interesting relationship with Guinevere Leodegrance, the one that got away. BBC Luther inspired.

**Author's Note:** So if you're familiar with my drabble/one-shot series _Across the Universe _and _Him and Her_ then you've read the original of this and its two additional drabbles. I really enjoyed writing those and got such positive feedback on the additional parts (Invitations and Open Doors/Drinking Buddy in _Him and Her_), so I wanted to do another drabbley/one-shot dump for this Luther inspired AU.

The next two chapters will go up fairly quick. I just have to edit them. So yeah. Enjoy! (and enjoy again if you're rereading :D)

* * *

**The Taste of Freedom**

DCI Arthur Pendragon entered his flat and froze in the doorway. Something was off; he could feel it—smell it—in the air. Something…_sweet_. He shut the door quietly, drew his gun, and ventured in.

_Clink._

It came from the kitchen.

He peered around the corner and sighed, putting the gun away before entering. "Guinevere."

Guinevere Leodegrance was in his flat, in his kitchen, at his table, drinking his tea out of his mug. "Arthur," she said pleasantly. "Welcome home. How was your day?"

He kept his distance. "You do realize this is breaking and entering."

"I only entered. Nothing was broken, I promise you." Her smile was bright and innocent. "You look like you've had a long day. Please, have a seat. Stay a while." That twinkle in her eye unnerved him. "Tea?"

Guinevere Leodegrance was in his flat, in his kitchen, offering him his own tea.

_Shit_.

X

_Two weeks ago…_

Arthur entered the interrogation room, turned on the recorder, and sat across from the curly haired beauty. "Sorry for the wait, Mrs. Maynard. I'm DCI Arthur Pendragon. I hope you aren't too uncomfortable, these rooms are never pleasurable. I'm sure you understand why."

"I guess I'm not Mrs. Maynard any longer, huh?" she said quietly.

"Guinevere—"

"Please, call me Gwen."

"If you would prefer."

"Though, you do say it quite nicely." She smiled sadly. "I don't think anyone has ever said my name with such…_care_."

Arthur wasn't sure how to react to that. All he did was say her name in the tone he used when he addressed a suspect in a seemingly fragile state. "You are a suspect in your husband's death, Guinevere. I have to ask you a few questions."

She looked tired. Her shoulders were slumped and her eyes were dry. _Too dry_.

"According to your statement, you received a call from one of your husband's associates…"

_She was spending time in the country, away from the dirty secrets of the city's underground, away from __**him**__. Her phone rang and she answered._

"_Where's my package?" The gravelly voice asked._

"_Sorry?"_

"_Helios ain't answerin'. I swear—if he's—"_

"_I don't know, Cendred. I'm out of town. I'll get back to you as soon as I can." She didn't wait for him to speak again before she hung up._

_By the time she got home it was late in the evening. "Babe? You here?" When she entered the kitchen, Helios was lying on the floor among the shattered remains of his mug, tea everywhere. Vomit surrounded his head, and scratch marks were etched in his throat._

"Did your husband have enemies, Guinevere?"

She shrugged. "Of course he did."

"Did he ever hurt you?"

Her eyes hardened. "Not as often as you'd think a man like him would. He used to call me his prized possession."

"No woman should be called a possession," Arthur said. "When did you find out your husband was a sex trafficker?"

"Stop calling him that."

"What? Your husband?" He saw her lip twitch. She was biting back a sneer. "You don't sound like you have much love for him."

"Would you if you found out your significant other sold teenage girls into sexual slavery?!" She leaned forward, folding her hands on the table. "What if your girlfriend," she scrutinized him quickly, "or boyfriend, destroyed these poor girls?" She slid back, exhausted. "I found out after the first year of our marriage. We traveled a lot, but I never questioned it because Helios was a rich man. One night in Mexico, I came back to the hotel early. I overheard him talking to his partners. He was naming names and prices. Not thinking, I walked in and a saw an open folder on his desk. It was full of pictures of girls. I put two and two together. He threatened me. He got me…involved." She was beginning to show emotion, he noted, as her eyes watered and her voice shook. "I tried to leave. He wouldn't let me." The tears began to fall. "An angry wife. That's what my motive is, right?"

Arthur gave her a minute before continuing his interrogation. "Toxicology report showed Helios' tea was laced with belladonna, _deadly_ nightshade." He flipped through the report and showed her the picture of the scene. She didn't flinch. "They say poison is a woman's weapon."

Gwen wiped her face and her eyes narrowed in a glare. "While I was out of the city, my husband had cuppa that I poisoned."

"Is that a confession?"

"I'm just laying out what I'm being accused of."

"You're a smart woman, Guinevere."

"Not smart enough," she snorted in disgust.

She did it, he knew, but she was let go on the grounds that she couldn't be placed at the scene, and there was nothing to trace the poison back to her. All the tea in the house had been examined and the house was thoroughly search. On top of that, any time a man like Helios was off the streets, it's considered a victory. But Arthur's job was to catch murderers, and he was forced to let one go.

He was the youngest chief inspector in the department. He wouldn't deny that his name got him where he was. When your father is Director General of MI5, it gets you through many doors. Arthur worked hard to prove that a name was just a name and that his detective skills were valuable. He did so by having a perfect track record until Guinevere came into the picture.

Unable to let it go, days later Arthur tracked Gwen down to a dance studio. He watched her from the doorway moving gracefully to the music. She was short, but the way she extended her limbs made her legs seem miles long and her arms closer to the heavens when she reached. The way she arched and released, the way she turned and leaped; she danced with abandon. She danced with freedom.

The song ended and she lifted her head, looking at him in the mirror. "He used to watch me dance, so I stopped."

"If all women danced like that when they got away with murder it would make a spectacular show."

She scoffed. "You still think I killed him."

"Not with your bare hands. You just mixed the belladonna with the tea leaves and let the rest fall into play." He saw her roll her eyes in the reflection. "_Leodegrance. _You changed your name back. So soon?"

She gathered her things and walked passed him. "I just want to get my life back in order."

* * *

He watched her now with suspicion as she poured him the tea. "Relax, Arthur. It's not my special blend." To prove her point, she took a sip. Her lipstick left a print of her lower lip on the edge of the mug.

Never in his life has he heard a woman say his name like she did. "What do you want?"

Gwen held the mug out to him. "I don't have any friends." Well, that was honest.

He accepted the tea, but didn't drink it. "You committed an offense because you want to be my friend?"

"No, I don't want to be your friend. And like I said, I didn't break anything," she smirked. "This is for you." She took a folded paper out of her pocket and slid it to the center of the table.

He took it while keeping his eyes on her. They held each other's gaze while he unfolded it. Finally, his eyes flashed down. It was a list of names.

_Cenred Essetir, Kanen Siddig, Julius Borden._ The list went on. "What's this?"

"A list," she said smartly.

He bit the inside of his cheek to stop from making a snide comeback. _"_For_ what?"_

"They're all of Helios' associates. I know human trafficking isn't your division, but if you could pass it on to, I don't know, you're father in the MI6, you'll be saving a lot of lives." She made her way to the sink and cleaned the mug she used…and the rest of his dishes.

He was at a loss for words seeing her to the washing up. "Uh…you don't have to do that." He frowned. "And it's MI5," he muttered.

"Do what?" She looked at him over her shoulder. "Clean up after a man? I guess I don't have to anymore."

He looked back down at the list. "You could've just come to the station instead of—"

"Breaking and entering," she finished his sentence. She dried her hands and turned around, leaning back on the counter. Her hands gripped the edge. "You didn't touch your tea."

Arthur stared down at the cooling liquid, and then back to her. He picked it up and watched her watch him as he brought it to his lips.

"It's late. I guess I should be going," Gwen said, but she didn't move.

He swallowed the apparently not poisoned tea. "Well, off you go."

"They'll be coming for me."

He thought he heard worry in her voice. "Who?"

"Helios' friends." She looked at him sweetly. "Drive me home?"

It was raining, and Gwen traced the trail of raindrops on the window with her finger. "I let the latest group of girls go," she said. "That's why I was in the country side. I brought them to a women's shelter."

"Good." Arthur gripped the steering wheel. He had a murderer in his car. He had the world's sweetest murderer in his car. He concentrated on the road, but he felt her turn and look at him.

"It's upsets you that I got away with it," she stated. He didn't like that she could read him so easily. "I may have orchestrated his death without getting blood on my hands, but murder is murder, and it's your job to put murderers away. But I'm the one that got away."

He let out a bitter laugh. "Do you want to say that again, but at the station?"

They turned down her street. It was an expensive neighborhood, and her house was near the end. The houses were nearly identical. The only thing that separated hers from the others was the three men lurking outside of it.

Gwen press back low into the seat. She brought her arm up, resting her elbow on the window ledge to hide her face with her forearm. She shut her eyes, waiting for what may come. When they got closer, the men barely reacted to the headlights. They just acted like they were three men having a chat in the rain. Arthur stared them down, and they stared back, concentrating purely on him.

Gwen opened her eyes when she felt the car turn the corner. She sat up and looked relieved. "Thank—"

Arthur was tired and frustrated. "Don't thank me," he said and drove her to a hotel.

* * *

It wasn't long before Arthur saw Gwen again, this time by accident. He was on a case. Prostitutes were turning up dead; he was dealing with a modern Jack the Ripper. The call came in from a rundown estate in a known problematic area. It could've been a domestic violence call, but back up was on standby. He took the elevator up to the floor, and when it opened he heard screaming from down the hall. He found the room it was coming from and busted in. There was shuffling, crashes, muffled grunts and curses coming from the bedroom. He saw a woman in her underwear tied to the bed, and Gwen slowly sitting up from the floor with blood dripping from her hairline before he was tackled to the floor. He dropped his gun, and the killer tried to pummel his face. The man was the size of a house, and all Arthur could do was block his strikes. The blows stopped and he saw the killer hold up a knife.

_Bang!_

The killer's eyes bulged and his body jiggled with the shock.

_Bang! _

The killer coughed and he dropped the knife.

_Bang!_

The bullet ripped through his throat and blood splattered on Arthur's face. Arthur pushed him over and sat up. The killer was laying face down like a fat, fleshy blob. The bullet holes lined straight up his spine. Three perfect shots.

Gwen lowered the gun and rushed to the girl, untying her. The prostitute launched herself in Gwen's arms, sobbing. Arthur took off his jacket and gave it to Gwen to place on around the girl. Sirens were heard in the distance.

"_Dare I ask why you were there?" He asked her._

"_The girl, her name is Sefa. She's one of the girls who…I keep trying to get her out of it but she's too scared of what her pimp will do to her if she tries. I check up on her every now and then. He was a client, I guess. When I got there, he answered the door, dragged me in and tied me up. Poorly, I might add."_

"_Where'd you learn to shoot like that?"_

_The corner of her red lips turned up. "Care for a lesson?"_

Arthur lied in his report. He said the killer was on top of Gwen and he shot him. Thankfully he wiped the blood from his face before the cops entered the flat. The lie was effortless. Protecting Gwen felt second nature. It surprised him.

"I never thanked you," he said.

"You never thanked me for…?" _Killing a killer. Saving your life. _Gwen raised an eyebrow in faux confusion. She was quick and he liked it.

* * *

The third time they met that month was because Arthur, against his better judgment, invited Gwen out for coffee. _"_Not tea?" she joked over the phone_. _Her laugh was lovely over the phone, but he would kill to hear her do it in person.

They sat a table next to the window. They people watched, speculating which ones that passed were capable of committing murder. It was morbid, but they were having…fun.

"Is this even appropriate, seeing a former murder suspect?" Gwen asked.

"Not really," Arthur said. "And I'm not _seeing_ you. This isn't a date."

"No? But you paid for my coffee." She waved the paper cup at him.

The lipstick print on the lid reminded him of the one she left on his mug. "Chivalry is not entirely dead." Under the table, he felt her give him a light, playful kick. "Assaulting an officer of the law now?"

And there it was, that melodious laughter. She held the coffee up to her lips and smiled. "Free does taste better."

* * *

**A/N: **I don't have a planned ending/actual storyline for this, so please add in suggestions for situations/shenanigans you want Arthur and Gwen to get in. This story is more focused on friendship so **do not** suggest romantic situations. I want them to have the Luther-Alice dynamic wiiiiiith a little more flirt. Because let's face it, Alice is more scary than flirty XD

**Thanks for reading! **I look forward to your suggestions!


	2. Invitations and Open Doors

**Invitations and Open Doors**

When Arthur's alarm went off at 6:00 a.m. on his day off, he wished for terrible things. He could've sworn that he turned it off yesterday. He dismissed it and went back to sleep. It rang again at 6:05 and 6:10.

"What the—?" He checked alarm setting. A string of alarms were set to go off every five minutes. He turned off every one of them and flopped back on the bed. He covered an arm over his eyes and tried to drift back to sleep.

The phone went off again. _"Goddammit!" _He was about to chuck it then he realized it was a text message.

_Our place at 7._

It was from Gwen. Yesterday, she was at the station to speak with the superintendent about Helios' known associates. But before she went to Gaius' office, she was in Arthur's. He had left her alone for two minutes when he went to get Gaius. He left her alone with his phone. "Our place," he read out loud. _"Ha."_ Their place had become the café where they first had coffee together.

He had a half hour to get ready. He grumbled and rolled out of bed.

Despite it being early in the morning, he expected Gwen to be all dolled up in a form fitting dress, high heels, slim cigarette between her fingers in one hand and a clutch with a small pistol inside in the other. He needed to lay off the Saturday night film noirs with Merlin. Gwen was sitting at their usual spot, lazily dressed just as he was. They both wore hoodies, his red and hers purple, and their jeans were even the same dark wash. Hers were tighter than his, of course.

"This better be important," Arthur said as he sat down.

"It is. It's breakfast, the most important meal of the day." His scowling only made Gwen's smile widen. "Cheer up! I'm paying."

Over coffee and breakfast sandwiches, they played their usual game of spot the potential killer.

"So many angry faces this morning. How many homicides occur around this time?" Gwen asked and bit into her sandwich.

"They largely happen in the evening. The daytime ones are usually shootings, involuntary manslaughter, deadly housewives…"

Gwen clapped her hands together with glee. "_Ooh,_ tell me more about the deadly housewives," she egged him on.

Arthur sipped his coffee and leaned back in his chair. "There isn't much to say. They hate their husbands, and they like to mess with peoples alarms."

The next night it was his turn to drop in on her. It wasn't exactly unannounced; he did have an invitation, sort of, in the form of three spaced out text.

_Come over when you're free._

30 minutes later…

_Nvm I'll tell you when_

2 hours later…

_All clear. Door's open._

The door couldn't be closed if it tried. There was a hole where the knob and lock should've been. Arthur drew his gun and went inside. It was dark except for a light on in the kitchen. He entered the lit room and found it empty as well.

_Crunch_.

He stepped on shattered glass, and when he backed up to look at it, he felt a point dig into his back.

"Sorry. I thought you were someone else." Gwen rounded him and placed the knife on the counter. She danced around the glass shards and put the kettle on.

"Are you going to clean that up?" Arthur asked.

Gwen stared disinterested at the mess. "Eventually."

Arthur holstered his gun, but his detective instinct took over and he analyzed his surroundings. Clear paths swept through the pile like it was pushed aside with a foot...or dragged. He was absorbed in his analysis that he didn't notice Gwen standing next to him offering him a cup of tea.

"Helios' friends dropped in. They really made a mess of the place."

He took the tea without hesitation this time. "Did they come to send a message?"

"They came looking for Helios. They don't know he's dead, and he owes them money." Gwen shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal. "These men would stab each other for a quid," she snickered.

"And that bruise on your wrist?"

"It got a little rough."

"Are you alright?"

She smiled. "You should see the other guy. I didn't kill him if that's what you're wondering." Her eyes flickered to the knife. "Got him in the leg." She sighed. "Bled all over the carpet."

Arthur sat at the table and took a sip of the tea. It was good. Really good. He briefly wondered how the tea that killed Helios tasted.

Gwen joined him. "Have you ever been shot?"

Arthur's hand automatically went to his shoulder. "Yeah."

"How'd it happen?"

"Just some meth-head," he said casually.

"Such contrasting feelings on either side of the gun, aren't they? When you hold it, you have the power; on the other side of it you're helpless."

"How many times have you been on the receiving end?"

"More than enough. Today one was pressed against my temple." Gwen tapped her temple then stood up. She grabbed the knife, walked around the glass and continued the story. "He held it against me and dragged me. As we passed the counter," she used the knife as a pointer, "he didn't notice that I grabbed the knife. When we reached the living room, I stabbed him in the thigh." She stabbed downward for emphasis. Then she pointed to Arthur's shoes with the knife. "You might've stepped in some blood on your way in."

Arthur frowned. "Did you even try to clean up?" Gwen flicked the light on in the living room. Clearly not. There was a trail of dried blood splatter along the floor. Throw pillows were everywhere, the glass coffee table was also shattered, and a crack ran through the television. There were also several bullet holes in the wall.

Gwen sighed. "There goes the resale value."

Arthur's brain was doing its detective scan again, envisioning the struggle without Gwen's narration. "Wait. You said 'Helios' friends.' What happened to the other guys?"

"You should see the other rooms."

* * *

Two weeks later, Arthur finished a heavy case. They got the guy but there were two hostages, and unfortunately they couldn't save them both. He washed the day away and stepped out the bathroom with a towel around his waist. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw Gwen lying across his bed propped up on her elbow.

She sat up sleepily. "Do you even have hot water left? You were in there for some time. Or were you…?" She finished the sentence with a wiggle of her eyebrows

Arthur held the towel tightly around his waist. "I think we're going to have to have a conversation about boundaries."

"I saw the news. I'm glad you're okay," she said.

"Thanks."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Arthur clutched end of the towel tighter. "I want to put on clothes."

Gwen covered her eyes, and he smiled at her. He changed in the bathroom, and when he came out he saw Gwen lying on the right side of the bed. On the left side, his preferred side, he laid on his stomach with his head turned to her.

"What are you doing here, Guinevere?" He was too exhausted to care, but he thought to ask anyway.

"I wanted to make sure you were alright," she spoke quietly now that they were in such close proximity.

Arthur bet she had an ulterior motive. "And?"

"And I'm homeless."

_Ah, there it is. _"What happened?"

"House burned down."

"How?"

"Candle? Gas leak?" Gwen snapped her fingers and pointed. "Faulty wiring!"

Arthur buried his face in his pillow. "Great. You're an arsonist now."

Gwen pushed him. "I didn't say I did it!"

He rolled over away from her. "What haven't you done since I met you?"

Gwen stared at Arthur's back thinking. "Oh! I haven't committed robbery."

Arthur snorted.

They laid in comfortable silence. Arthur began nodding off, but Gwen's voice woke him back up.

"You're bed is a lot more comfortable than the one at the hotel I'm staying at."

Arthur made a disgruntled noise and got up. "See you in the morning," he said not even looking at her and giving a sloppy wave of the hand when he left the room.

He woke up on the couch with a stiff neck and a post-it note on his forehead. He peeled it off and read Gwen's neat and delicate script.

_When I die, I hope you get assigned to my case._

On his coffee table was a steaming cup of tea.

* * *

**A/N: Thanks always** for reading and reviewing! Keep those suggestions coming! :D


	3. Drinking Buddy

**Author's Note: Stacy **suggested they meet up at a bar and Gwen does karaoke. I already had this chapter which takes place in a bar, but I did add a mention of karaoke!

**Drinking Buddy**

It's been nearly three months since Arthur saw Gwen. Her post-it was her last words to him. There was a pile of paperwork to go through, but his focus was on the crinkled note. _Where are you, Guinevere?_ He was tempted to file a missing persons.

Merlin knocked on the doorframe. Arthur put the note in his drawer. "Yeah?"

"We're all going out for drinks. Are you joining us, or are you going to spend another night staring at that old post-it?"

Arthur glanced at drawer. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Merlin gave a playful snicker. "Sure you don't. I'll see you tomorrow then."

He had to look for her, he just had to. He didn't know where to start. No matter what he searched for, he ended up at a dead end. The last chance he had was to see Sefa.

Arthur passed a hooker on his way into the old housing. "I'll do you for free," she winked. He took the elevator up to Sefa's floor. The hallway—the building in general—was cleaner than the last time he was there. Arthur knocked on the door and a woman answered.

She looked him up and down. "You're not my client."

"No," Arthur said. "Is Sefa around?"

"She left like a month ago. Someone paid big bucks to get her out."

He was sure it was Gwen. The only problem was that now there was no one else who could give him any sort of clue to where she could be.

* * *

After another unsuccessful week, Arthur sat alone at the bar of a nearly empty pub. He ran a hand down his face trying to wipe away the exhaustion.

"I'll have what he's having," the voice he wouldn't admit to missing came from next to him.

He stared at Gwen blankly as she settled on the stool. "Are you kidding me?" he said in disbelief. "I was waiting for your body to be fished out of the Thames!"

The bartender set the drink in front of Gwen. She took a sip and frowned. "Water? Seriously? I thought you were having a brooding-detective-downing-his-sorrow-in-hard-liquor moment."

"Where have you—_!_" Arthur realized he was on the verge of yelling. He quickly calmed down. "Where have you been?"

"Did you miss me?" Gwen's eyes twinkled. When the bartender went by she asked for a real drink.

"I've been trying to track you down."

"Is that detective-speak for 'Yes, Guinevere, I missed you with all my heart."

Suddenly Arthur needed a real drink too.

"You really did try to track me down?"

Arthur looked away from her and stared down into his drink. "You got Sefa out of there, didn't you? That's great, but she was my only lead."

"Yes, I did. Finally." He heard Gwen sigh. "I had to clean up a lot of messes. Tie up some loose ends."

He needed to ask. It's been eating away at him for the last three months. "Where'd you go? What were you doing?"

"Settle down, detective," she chuckled. "Long story short, I know a lot of bad people that needed to be put down. I also know a lot of bad people who are on my side."

Arthur raised an eyebrow at her. "Putting hits on people now?"

Gwen laughed into her glass before she took another sip. "This is not how I imagined my life to be."

She told him her story. She was going for school for dance, but had to drop out due to her family's financial struggle. She was disappointed, but she wasn't angry. She would do anything for her family, but no matter how many jobs she worked, the money wasn't coming in fast enough. One day, she found herself standing outside a gentleman's club staring at a wanted flyer for dancer. She would be able to make more money in a night than a week's worth of work at her other jobs combined. It was an option.

And that's when she met Helios.

"_What's a girl like you standing outside a place like this?" he asked._

_Gwen took in his appearance. He was too finely dressed for this side of town. "Times are tough for a girl like me."_

_Helios gave her a polite smile. "Well, how about I treat a girl like you to lunch?"_

_She eyed him warily. "I don't go out to lunch with strangers."_

"_I'm Helios." He offered her his hand._

"_Gwen." She took it._

Helios was a smooth talker, and he charmed his way into her heart. He bought her things and helped pay bills. He insisted on it. Quickly, all the debt was gone. And when her father and brother died together in an accident, Helios was there to comfort her. He eased her mind from the tragedy. As they grew closer, he pampered her and took her on trips to lavish places. She experienced luxury beyond her wildest dreams. If only she knew, she would've preferred living a life of struggle than in constant fear and disgust.

_She was chopping peppers when she felt Helios' arms wrap around her. She stilled, held her breath, and gripped the knife._

"_Tomorrow's going to be a long day. I won't be able to wait to get back home, have my tea, have you," he whispered in her ear. His hot breath, his very being, revolted her._

_Gwen continued chopping. "And I can't wait for you to try my new blend. It's to die for."_

_When she found his body and called the cops, she wept with relief. It made her call sound more convincing. But once the call ended, she laughed, and she laughed, and the tears flowed harder._

Gwen finished her drink. "Maybe I should write a book."

"It'd be one helluva read," Arthur said. "Can I get an autographed copy?"

"Even better, I'll dedicate it to you." Gwen tried to keep a straight face. "To DCI Arthur Pendragon," she raised her empty glass, "Dot, dot, dot. I'm not sure what would come after that."

"How about: Sorry for being a pain in the ass?" he suggested. "Did you know I was here, or was it coincidence?"

"Coincidence, actually." Gwen leaned closer to Arthur. "It's like fate brought us back together."

Arthur leaned in too. "So you can terrorize me again?"

Gwen tugged his tie and then began straightening it. "Terrorize you? If I wanted to terrorize you I'd get up on that karaoke stage and serenade you." She rambled on about song choices. "Or better yet, I can just sing songs by The Police. Get it? Because you're the police, so I'll sing songs by The Police," she chuckled at her little ramble. Her fingers lingered on the knot and Arthur's eyes flickered at to her lips, glossy with her signature red lipstick. Several months ago his first thought would've been that she was trying to choke him. Working his way back up to her eyes, the corner of his mouth twitched up at the sight of her freckles; they were an endearing feature to her femme fatale nature.

The bartender announced last call.

"I should go," Gwen said, not really making a move to leave.

"Go where?"

She ran her fingers along his cheek. "You could do with a shave, detective." She slid off the stool. It brought them even closer, and Arthur had to lean back to give her room. "See you around."

He watched her go until she was out the door.

The bartender let out a low whistle. He'd been watching as well. "Friend of yours?"

Arthur had to be honest. "I have no idea."

The bartender grabbed Gwen's empty glass. Arthur's eyes lingered on the lipstick stain. Then, he realized that she didn't pay for her drink. He smiled and shook his head. He reached into his pocket for his wallet, and found more than that inside.

There was a folded napkin with an address on it.

* * *

**A/N: **I already have a plan for where the address leads to, so I don't need ideas for that. But I think I know of a way I'll be able to incorporate **freckled98**'s suggestion involving a dog :)

**Thanks always** for reading and reviewing! And keep those suggestions coming!


	4. Guard Dog

**Guard Dog**

Gwen watched Arthur sit in the car outside her flat for a good twenty minutes. At first she thought it was another grunt looking for Helios, but then she saw the detective's head peeking through the car window to study the building from the car. She imagined he was confused by the address when he pulled up to the seemingly vacant building. When she left the address stuck to his forehead, she made a bet with herself to see how long it would take him to show up. Betting on his impatience and persistence, she lost. It took him six days. Maybe she should've factored in his work schedule.

Deciding to put Arthur out of his misery, she went down to greet him. She sashayed up to the car and knocked on the window. Unless her eyes were deceiving her, he looked relieved. When he rolled down the window, she leaned in on her elbows. "Hey there, big boy. How may I service you today?" she said in her best hooker voice and batted her eyelashes.

Arthur made a face, but before he said anything a dog snout was in her face, sniffing her. She backed away in surprise and Arthur got out. A large german shepherd joined him.

"So, is this is your new hideout? I thought you were leading me on a wild goose chase because…" Arthur gestured to the vacant building space.

"I bought the whole thing. I'm going to turn the space into a dance studio. I live upstairs," she said while still staring at the dog. "When did you get a dog? Do you even have time to care for one?"

"Two days ago. No. And he's not mine." Arthur passed the leash to her. "He's yours."

Gwen held the leash, unsure. She looked at him, then down to the dog, and then back to the detective. "You got me a guard dog?"

He ignored the question. "Guinevere, meet Tiny."

"_Tiny?" _

Arthur shrugged. "He was the runt of the litter."

"Keyword being _was,_" Gwen muttered.

Tiny laid down and yawned, probably bored with them just standing there. He looked up at Arthur with sad dog eyes. "He's retired and could use a good home."

Gwen remembered she was still holding the leash. "So you thought I'd take him?"

"You could use a friend," Arthur said.

"Helios got me a poodle while we were in France. One day while walking it, I stopped to sit on a bench, and this woman sat down next to me. She started sobbing and babbling in French. I just passed her the leash and walked away." Gwen remembered how much she had to pretend to like the annoying poodle. "She did stop crying though."

"Well Tiny definitely isn't a poodle."

"Cuter than one, too." She kneeled in front of the dog and he sat up. "Hi, Tiny." She scratched behind his ear and he nuzzled her palm. "Let's get you acquainted with your new home."

Arthur went to the trunk and pulled out two large bags of kibble, a dog bed, and two feeding bowls with cartoon skull and crossbones patterns. The skulls were cats. "Wanna give me a hand?"

"Nope," Gwen said smiling and Tiny followed her up to the flat.

Inside, Gwen had Arthur put the dog bed next to the sofa, and Tiny bypassed it and curled up on the couch. She filled the water bowl and Arthur filled the other with kibble.

"Where do you want this?" Arthur asked.

"Um…" Gwen looked around the kitchen. "There, in that corner." They laid the bowls down and Tiny bounded over and lapped at the water.

"So, how efficient is a retired police dog for guard duty?"

Arthur leaned against the island. "It's not because of age, if that's what you're wondering. On the job he was shot in the hip. He's fully recovered, but he decided to keep living the life of leisure after rehab."

Gwen laughed. "Lost his work ethic, has he?"

Tiny perked his head up and looked at them as if he knew he was being talked about. Arthur kneeled down to pet him. Tiny rolled onto his back to have his belly rubbed. Arthur snickered. "Yeah, this is a lot more fun than chasing bad guys, huh boy?"

Gwen wouldn't tell him this, but the image of grown men and animals made her melt. The tough, cranky cop she loved to pester looked more relaxed than he's ever been since she first met him. "Are you sure you can't keep him?"

"I wish." He had given her a carefree smile that quickly fell when his phone rang. "Pendragon," he answered. Tiny sat back up, disgruntled by the sudden lack of attention. "I'm on my way." Arthur hung up and told Gwen that he'll see himself out. He gave the Tiny another pat on the head. "Take care of him."

Gwen watched Arthur as he walked to the door, shoulders square and back in work-mode. Tiny followed him to the door. Arthur scratched the dog behind the ears one more time. "Take care of her, boy," he said quietly. He probably thought she wouldn't hear him, but she did. Tiny replied with a _ruff._

"Arthur," Gwen said suddenly moving forward when he opened the door. "Thank you."

He gave her a nod before closing the door behind him.

* * *

**A/N: **

**freckled98**, I hope you liked what I did with your suggestion.

**Stacy **and **larasmith**, for the next chapter I have something in mind for your ideas of Gwen being assisting in an investigation.

**Guest**, (I wish you had a name so I can specifically identify your loveliness) I love the idea of Arthur keeping tabs on Gwen! I'll definitely use that in the future :D

As always, **THANK YOU** all for reading and reviewing, and keep those suggestions coming!


	5. One of the Guys

**Author's Note: Stacy **suggested Gwen helping Arthur get into a nightclub to do an investigation, and **larasmith **mentioned Gwen being an informer.

**One of the Guys**

Arthur and Merlin stood inside the taped off alleyway studying the body as the forensic photographer took pictures. The call came in early in the morning from a baker who was greeted by the unsavory sight.

The flash lit up the exposed skull and brain from the fatal blow and Merlin turned away. Arthur snickered. "Seriously? You've seen worse than this."

Merlin tried to look again and grimaced. "There's just something about brain matter…"

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Stand on the other side then."

As Merlin rounded the body, he spotted something on the stiff's hand. He crouched down to get a better look. "What's that?"

"What's what?" Arthur and Gilli, the photographer, leaned in to look. Merlin took out his pen and used it as a pointer. He traced the outline of faded ink on the pale hand.

Gilli took a close-up shot. "That looks like a stamp from the Crystal Club." Arthur and Merlin gave him a blank look. "It's the most popular club in London."

"And you know that how?"

"I do have a life!"

They didn't quite believe Gilli and studied him with furrow brows until Merlin's phone rang. "Emrys," he answered. "Another one?" Merlin glanced at the body. "There wouldn't happen to be a club stamp on one of his hands, would there?" There was a moment of silence, and Arthur gave him an expectant look. Merlin gave a thumbs up. "Great! I mean not great as in _great_, I mean…you know what I mean. Thanks Leon." He hung up.

"Where was the body found?" Arthur asked.

"A few block from here."

"Okay," Arthur said waving in the coroner. "Let's get him bagged. Gilli, tell us everything you know about this club."

Gilli had actually only been to the club once for his college roommate's cousin's bachelor party. He described it as one of those really expensive clubs you see in movies. It was a converted warehouse glammed up to the nines. The drinks cost more than your hourly pay, every chair you sit on cost more than your rent, and the girls dancing in cages and swinging on aerial silk swings are dressed in those really expensive, blinged-out Victoria's Secret bras. _"How do you know its Victoria's Secret?" "What? I'm a warm blooded male. I've seen the shows on the telly." _Gilli's point, the moment you step in, you feel like you're sinning.

Doing more research on the club they discovered the owner served a bit of time himself, but they still didn't have enough evidence to move forward. The bodies were identified as repeat offenders. They just had to find evidence of a link between the two.

This led to a good old fashioned stakeout. The problem with tailing club owners is that they don't get out of work until early morning. The sun was rising and the light hit Arthur right in the eye. He flipped down the visor in annoyance and rubbed his eye.

"Isn't it romantic?" Merlin said, sipping his coffee.

"Shut up, Merlin."

"Speaking of romance," Merlin continued anyways, "I was talking to your sister the other day and—"

"Why would you subject yourself to mindless chatter with Morgana?" If they were going to talk about his sister, Arthur was definitely going to develop a migraine.

"As I was saying, I was having a lovely chat with her, and she said that you and Mithian were on again. When did this happen?"

Mithian, his on and off girlfriend, had called him a few days ago. They had a friendly dinner and decided to give it another go. "Stop gossiping with my sister. What would Freya think?"

"Hey, at least I know where I stand with my girlfriend."

Almost an hour later, there was movement. Alvarr, the owner, and some others exited the club. Arthur snapped photos of their every move until they got into their cars and drove away. At the station, they set up a board with all the pictures pinned to it. All the men in the photos were identified; their mug shots circled around Alvarr's and the two bodies with red strings linking them all together. But they still couldn't pin the murderer or even find a motive.

They needed a new plan.

* * *

The force stood around the phone listening to Gwaine as he made his report. "There's no way I can get in."

Arthur stared at the phone in disbelief. "Are you kidding me? You can't get into a club? You're… _you!_"

"Their security is tight and not easily persuaded," Gwaine's normally charismatic voice sounded defeated through the speaker. "I tried everything. Wait, no. I should've flirted."

Gaius crossed his arms and looked around. "Any ideas?"

"Maybe Gwaine should try again, this time in a dress," Percival said.

"A little black dress," Leon added.

"Aw man," Gwaine said. "I didn't shave my legs."

"You could wear tights," Merlin suggested.

Arthur shook his head and turned back to the board. Alvarr had dealings in drugs, and his club was undoubtedly run on drug money. If the murders were drug related and with the amount of security Alvarr had set up, he wasn't the one to get his hands dirty. So who did it? Arthur followed the red string to another mug shot. Between the two was one of the photos he snapped of Alvarr interacting with another man. _Cenred Essetir_, Arthur read. "Cenred, Cenred…Why does that name sound familiar?"

Merlin, too, looked at the picture. "Cenred Essetir, let's see." Merlin pulled out the file. "Here we are. Cenred Essetir: drugs, fraud trafficking, thef—"

"Trafficking?" Arthur interrupted.

"Yeah."

A light bulb went off in his head. The list Gwen gave him what seemed like ages ago. "We might have a way in," he said grabbing his own phone.

Over the other, Gwaine's voice came through again. "What? What's happening?"

* * *

Gwen and Tiny were on the couch watching _Antiques Roadshow_. Well, it was more of Gwen watching and Tiny resting with his head on her lap. She was playing along, and right when the price was about to be revealed her phone rang. She reached over for it, and Tiny made a little disgruntled noise but didn't make an effort to move. She didn't have a chance to say hello when Arthur started speaking.

"Do you know an Alvarr Neahtid?" Arthur asked with haste.

"Hello to you, too, detective."

"Alvarr Neahtid. Do you know him?" he asked again tightly.

"I do…" she said.

"Do you know of his club? Can you get me into it?"

Gwen shifted uncomfortably and Tiny moved away with a concerned look. "Yes and yes," she said. "What is this about?"

"Good. I'll pick you up in a half hour."

"Are you saying what I think you're saying? Because if it is, I'm going to need more than a half hour."

"Half hour." Arthur hung up.

Gwen sighed and looked down at Tiny. "Not even a please."

* * *

Arthur probably didn't need to bang on the door as hard as he did, but he was getting anxious. He heard Tiny's muffled bark from inside. The door swung open, and Gwen was already coming out with one shoe on and the other in her hand.

She closed the door behind her and supported herself on Arthur's shoulder to put on the other shoe. "Do you know how hard it is to get ready for a place like the Crystal Club in half an hour," she said practically out of breath. After she balanced herself, she got to walking down to the car. Arthur got a good look at her. She finally looked like the femme fatale he often envisioned her as in her little black dress. She stopped and turned to face him. He noticed a bit too slow. "Were you checking me out?" She did a little twirl. "You can't see my gun, can you?"

"W-what?" Arthur choked out.

"Just kidding. My weapon of choice is a fireplace poker." She noted his confused look. "It's a long story."

A block away from the club, they pulled up behind a van. The back opened to reveal two technicians and an interior full of gadgets. "George, Elena, this is Guinevere. Get her wired." Arthur helped Gwen into the van, and once she was in Elena pushed George out.

"For propriety," she said, and closed the van door.

A few minutes later, Arthur jumped when he heard Gwen's voice in his ear. _"This is exciting!"_ Arthur huffed. "Don't get too comfortable," he muttered back.

The door opened and Gwen stepped effortlessly down from the van, like a gazelle in heels, and straightened her skirt. No trace of a wire could be seen under her tight dress.

"I'm patching you guys through to everyone," Elena said. "Good luck."

Arthur and Gwen hopped back in the car and drove up to the front of the club. "So I'm the best you got?" Gwen poked her fingers back and forth at him. "Does this make me part of the team, just like one of the guys?"

Gwaine laughed in their ears. "I'm not complaining."

"Don't encourage her," Arthur said to Gwaine.

They got out of the car and Arthur handed his keys to the valet. Gwen looped her arm in his and they went straight to the front door, cutting the queue and sparking vocal protest.

The bouncer looked at them smugly, prepared to reject them. "Mayard," Gwen said.

"'scuse me?" the bouncer scoffed.

"Oh," Gwen tilted her head. "You must be new."

"Back of the line lady, and take your boytoy with you."

"Look at your list, you idiot," Arthur snapped.

"You won't have to look too hard. I promise it's at the top," Gwen said more politely.

The bouncer looked down. Indeed Mayard was at the top. He let them through.

They were greeted with thumping music and flashing lights. It was everything Gilli described and more. Elaborate crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Lights refracted off crystal accents all around the room making it glitter. "Dance with me, detective," Gwen said dragging him to the dance floor. She pulled him close, forcing him to move with her to the music. "Alvarr's going to be told that we're here. The bouncer's new so he won't know that you're not Helios. Alvarr's always at the VIP section, I'll distract him there and you do whatever it is you need to do."

They got a clear view of the VIP section, and Alvarr sitting in the middle of a gaggle of women. "Are you ready?" Gwen asked Arthur.

"I should be asking you that," he replied.

Gwen gave him a confident smile and pulled away from him. She disappeared into the crowed before reappearing on the steps that led to up to the VIP platform.

The guard let her through, and the plan was in action. Alvarr stood to greet her. Arthur saw their mouths move and heard them loud and clear.

"_It's a pleasure to see you again, Alvarr."_

"_And you, Gwen. Where's Helios?"_

"_Who said I was here with him?"_

"_That's not what I mean. Word on the street has it he's pulled a runner."_

"_Is that the only word?"_

"_Where is he, Gwen?"_

"_Gone."_

"_Where?"_

"_To Hell, I imagine."_

"_Now he's left you to clean up his mess, I see."_

Gwen's snort was small and only heard by Arthur in his earpiece. While they chatted, he found one of the doors that led to the basement where Gwen said all their dealings occur. The door could only be opened with a keycard. He stayed in the shadows and notified the others. "Looks like you get to knock down another door, Percival."

"Ready when you are, boss," Percival responded.

"_You didn't come alone." _

Arthur pushed back deeper into the shadows and waited.

"_I brought along a friend."_

"_Why don't you bring her up to join us?"_

"_I don't think __**he's **__your type."_

"_He? Moved on from Helios that quickly?"_

"_A girl gets lonely."_

"_If you need someone to keep you company you can always—AH-OW—Okay I get it." _

"_The club is still going strong, I see."_

"_We're literally sitting on gold."_

"_White powdery gold?"_

"_Party upstairs, business downstairs."_

In his ear, Merlin said, "The alley is clear. We'll come in from the back. Percival and his team will come through the front and go to you."

"_Have any trouble lately?"_

"_A couple amateurs blew a run a while back. Cenred put them down though."_

"_Down as in…dead?" Gwen whispered._

"_Very."_

"_Well that's quite the lesson. Is Cenred here? I bet he has a few words to say to me."_

_Alvarr chuckled. "He's downstairs."_

"_Let's go then."_

"_It's your funeral."_

The curtains covering the back wall of the VIP lounge hid another door to the basement. "Don't get yourself killed, Guinevere." She made a little _hmph_.

"_What is she doing here?!" _Arthur winced at Cenred's gravely tone in his ear.

"_Hello, Cenred. Where's that wife of yours. I was hoping we could start Real Housewives of the London Underground."_

"_Where's Helios? Where's my money?"_

"_You're sitting on a pile of drugs and you're concerned about money?"_

"_He owes me."_

"_It's the principal, isn't it?" Gwen laughed. "Well, good luck finding him."_

There was a crashing sound, a table being flipped maybe. _"Oh, come on Cenred there's no need for that," Alvarr said. _

"_Tell me where the fuck he is!" _There was a shuffling sound, and then Gwen made a choking noise. _"Tell me where he is, you bitch, or you'll be in my next shipment!"_

"Move in now!" Arthur ordered. He heard the sound of Merlin confirming the command and another door being busted through. Behind him, clubgoers screamed as the reinforcements worked through the crowd. They busted through the door and Arthur led them down the stairs.

Merlin's group got there first, guns trained on the goons. Only Gwen and Alvarr had their hands raised.

"It's over Cenred, Alvarr. You're surrounded," Arthur said. Some of the goons dropped their weapons seeing that the fight wasn't worth it.

"I have no idea what's happening," Alvarr tried to play innocent with his hands up in the air in surrender.

From behind, Percival disarmed Cenred. It distracted the others, and they too were disarmed and cuffed. To keep up appearances, Gwen was cuffed as well by Gwaine. He must've said something cheeky because she was biting back a smirk. The grunts were loaded into vans and Cenred, Alvarr, and Gwen were placed in separate cruisers.

On his way to the front of the club, Arthur went over to Leon doing crowd control. "Everything's fine," Leon said. "It's just everyone trying to get their cars. The valets ran off."

Arthur nodded. "We'll get some more hands to help out. Gotta get my car, too." He then went over to the cruisers that held Cenred and Alvarr and the others. He told them to head down to the station.

Gwaine was standing outside his car waiting for Arthur. "A drug bust and a murder solved in one night. Can we keep her?" Gwaine said opening the door and helping Gwen out.

Gwen rubbed her wrist when he uncuffed her. "So did I do good, or did I do good?"

Arthur frowned. "Did Cenred hurt you?"

Gwen's hand automatically went to her neck. She rubbed the side as if she meant to do it. "_Pfft. _Cenred couldn't hurt a fly," she brushed it off. "Take me home, detective. My feet are killing me."

* * *

**A/N: **Please don't kill me for giving Arthur a girlfriend! I have my reasons which will be revealed in the next chapter. Or now seeing how I can't keep a secret. Can you say jealous Gwen? Hahaha

**Thanks always** for reading and reviewing!


	6. Everyone's a Critic

**Everyone's a Critic**

Arthur made a joke about Leon switching his career to traffic cop which resulted in Leon holding Arthur's keys hostage until every last officer on the scene left. Gwen didn't mind the wait. In fact, she encouraged Leon. Watching Arthur grow annoyed and pouty made her feet hurt significantly less.

When Leon surrendered the keys, he tossed them to Gwen. She waited in the car while Arthur shared some final words with Leon. She leaned against the window, hand resting on her sore collar. When the car door slammed, she jumped, not realizing Arthur had gotten in.

"I should get Leon stuck behind the booking desk for a year," Arthur said plotting his revenge as he fastened his seatbelt. "Or is that too long?" he asked her. He noticed her posture. "Are you alright?"

Gwen dropped her hand. "I'm fine."

He thought she needed to work on her poker face. "When are you going to drop the tough girl act?"

"Excuse me?"

"It's okay to admit when you're scared."

"I wasn't scared," she said adamantly.

Arthur wasn't buying it. The rest of the ride was in silence. When they pulled up to her home, before Gwen got out he said, "Part of me doesn't want to entertain the idea, but if you ever need to, you can talk to me."

Head down, Gwen fiddled with the door handle as she internalized what he just said. She gave the slightest of nods and exited without a word.

* * *

The ink on Cenred's paperwork wasn't even dry when a very strange call came in from the park. When Arthur arrived, it was blocked off by caution tape and several police cruisers. Curious locals craned their heads to try and get a glimpse of what was happening, though the coroner truck should've been a dead giveaway.

Arthur flashed his badge and was let through. He stood next to the officer and stared at the scene with wide eyes.

Three column stands stood in a line. On top of each was a bell jar with a disassembled skull in each, the pieces held apart by rods. The third stand was skewed with a headless body was partially dug up at its base.

"What the hell is this?"

"I have no idea," the officer said. "You're the inspector. Inspect."

Arthur circled the display, trying to make sense of it while the cop read off his notes to him. People just thought it was some installation art, but one concerned parent called in with a complaint saying it was a disturbance and how no one thinks of the children _yada yada_. He and his partner came down to check it out and pulled up that stand, saw a hand, and started digging. When they saw the hand was attached to a very real body, they made the call.

According to the lab, the skulls belonged to the headless bodies. They were stripped of flesh and bleached to make Beauchene skulls, also known as exploded skulls. Arthur searched every shop that specialized in oddities until one appraiser recalled a sketchy man interested in how to make Beauchene skulls and the best bugs to use to clean the flesh off bones. After the man's inquiry, he made the mistake of purchasing a three headed pig fetus in a jar with a credit card.

The arrest was quick. They busted into his home and literally caught him red-handed. He was finger painting a portrait with the blood of his victims. He cried about his art all the way to prison.

* * *

After the week he's had, the art gallery is the last place Arthur wanted to be on his day off. Mithian pleaded with him to come to a show at the gallery she owned. They'd both be dressed up and it can be sort of a date since his schedule didn't really allow the time.

Arthur stared at the painting in front of him. There was art and then there was _art_, and it was _art_ that he didn't get. It was the feature painting of a Lance du Lac who Mithian discovered in France. She said he was a genius. Arthur couldn't see it.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Gwen said from behind him.

Arthur nearly jumped out of his skin. "What are you doing here?"

She stood there admiring the painting in an elegant red dress. She gave him a brief look, then back to the painting. "I RSVP'd months ago."

"You got an invite?"

"Helios made donations to the gallery. He was a collector." She practically spewed acid with her words, and Arthur noticed her fingers flex on her gold beaded clutch, gripping the purse tighter. He remembered the first time they met. _He called me his prized possession, _her words echoed in his head_._ Her grip relaxed and she spoke again, this time in a friendlier tone. "I want to apologize for my attitude last week."

"I realize that I never thanked you for your help," Arthur said. "So…thank you."

Gwen smiled. "You're welcome, and I'm sorry."

Arthur gave her a small smile of his own then turned back at the painting. "It looks like a bunch of squiggles having sex."

"A bunch of squiggles that represent the vibrations of the human soul in the middle of coital bliss," said a new voice. It was Lance du Lac. "But art is always open to interpretation." He held out his hand. "Lance du Lac, the artist. Welcome to my show."

Arthur shook his hand. "DCI Arthur Pendragon." He didn't like him. His brain kept associating artists with killers. Some artists were psychopaths, weren't they?

"Ah, detective. Mithian told me all about you and the case you solved that saved the gallery."

"Just part of the job."

"And you got the girl."

Gwen watched the exchange and wondered what the artist meant. Lance turned his attention on her. "I'm sorry, miss," he apologized and introduced himself to her despite her being right there when he did so with Arthur. "Thank you for your compliments."

"Oh, you've met," Mithian said coming up. She gave Arthur a peck on the lips. "I'm glad you're here, darling. And Merlin, too. No ghastly murders today? Must be a quiet day in London."

"It's still early," Gwen muttered. Now she knew what Lance meant. She picked a glass of champagne off the passing waiter's tray and took a long sip. It tasted sour, or that could've been the foul taste that formed in her mouth when she witnessed Arthur and Mithian's public display of affection.

"Oh, Mrs. Maynard, it's good to see you. Where is Helios?" Mithian looked around.

"He's dead," Gwen said flatly. "And it's Leodegrance." She stepped away to avoid the awkwardness that would follow, and joined Merlin, his girlfriend, and Morgana on the other side of the room.

Arthur wanted to follow her and risk the torture of being in the same vicinity as his sister, but Mithian reeled him back in.

* * *

The atmosphere on the other side of the room felt much less pretentious, and Gwen felt more at ease when she greeted Merlin. "DS Emrys, it's good to see you again."

"And you Ms. Leodegrance."

"Please, call me Gwen."

"If you call me Merlin."

Merlin's politeness, along with Leon, Gwaine, and Percival, had made Gwen nervous at first. When she met them, she felt they were silently judging her knowing that she got away with murder. But they were very kind. After the arrests at Alvarr's club, they had each approached her to check up on and thank her for her assistance. Gwen raised her glass to Merlin. "It's a deal."

He introduced her to his girlfriend, Freya. She worked as a zoo veterinarian. Freya was very nervous, and she kept trying to discreetly sniff the air around her. Merlin said it was because she fell into panther poo earlier and still felt unclean. They both assured Freya that she smelled lovely.

Then he introduced her to Morgana, Arthur's sister. "_Half_ sister," Morgana corrected. Merlin said the siblings emphasized the half when they were arguing. Their resemblance was in the way they carried themselves more than their appearance. But when Morgana's piercing green eyes glared at Arthur, he caught his sister's eye and served her one right back with an equal stormy blue intensity, and Gwen could really see it. Oh yes, they were definitely siblings.

"You know," Gwen said brightly to Merlin. "When Detective Pendragon first introduced us and called you his partner, I thought you two were _together_."

"If I got a pay raise every time someone thought that…" Merlin sighed.

Morgana broke her staring contest with her brother and doubled over in hysterics, holding onto an also laughing Freya. It caught the attention of many of the guests, and Freya blushed with embarrassment. Morgana paid them no mind. "Don't mind them, Freya. It's rare for the Posh to crack a smile."

The room quieted to the low sound of chatter and gentle classical music playing in the background until Mithian's own laugh could be heard from across the room. Gwen glanced over her shoulder. Mithian was leaning on Arthur, and his arm was around her waist.

Morgana's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Who wants to bet that'll end in a month?"

"I thought you're friends with Mithian?" Freya asked.

"More of acquaintances," Morgana said. "So, that wager?"

Merlin opted out. "He'll kill me if he found out I bet against him…again."

Gwen drummed her nails against her glass. "Count me in." She shared a red lipped smirk with Morgana.

* * *

Arthur stood outside on the phone. He lied saying he had to take a phone call, when in fact he was making one. He wanted to check in with Gaius to see if he as needed, anything to get him out of there. Gaius insisted that everything was under control and for Arthur to enjoy his night off. Arthur hung up with a grumble.

"Your sister is lovely," Gwen said.

Arthur grimaced. "You need to stop doing that."

"Just keeping you on your toes, detective," she said. "So, why didn't you tell me you had a girlfriend?"

"Of course you would like Morgana. You're just as annoying as she is," Arthur scoffed.

"Well?"

"Well what?"

Gwen playfully swatted him with her purse. "Why didn't tell me about you and Mithian?"

Arthur crossed his arms. "It's none of your business."

Gwen crossed hers too. "I thought you said I could talk to you."

"Not about my personal life."

"Well, I think it's good that you have a girlfriend. Do you always pick up women during your investigations?"

Arthur groaned. "It wasn't like that."

"What was it like, then?" Gwen dropped her arms and held them behind her back. She rocked back and forth on her heels like an inquisitive child.

He ignored her.

"She seems nice," Gwen probed.

"She is." Arthur's response was short, elongating his anticipation for another one of Gwen's nosey questions.

"Merlin and Freya make a very adorable couple," she said.

He agreed with her.

"Unlike you and Mithian."

Arthur's shoulders slumped. "You are very opinionated tonight."

"And you're a wee bit grumpier," Gwen quipped.

"What do you have against Mithian?" He was too late in questioning her because her taxi pulled up.

"See you, detective." She winked at him over her shoulder and slipped inside the black cab.

Arthur watched the cab drive away and disappear around the corner. As brief as their interaction was, Gwen was the highlight of his night.

* * *

**A/N: **Actual Gwen-Mithian interaction in the next chapter (unless I change something). It was originally in this chapter but I cut it out for a better flow. And so I'm extra sorry for the wait if you were looking for a showdown. Forgive me!

**THANKS ALWAYS** for reading and reviewing! And keep those suggestions coming. They're really helping in the formation of upcoming chapters


	7. Something Stupid

**Something Stupid**

Wanting to catch up with Sefa, Gwen took her out to lunch. She learned that Sefa was looking for a job and trying to reconnect with her father, but she was failing on both fronts.

In the middle of the lunch, Sefa's phone rang. "It's the store manager," she said, staring at her phone anxiously.

Gwen shared her look. "Don't just look at it. Answer it!" She watched in anticipation as Sefa answered and greeted the manager with a friendly tone. Her heart sank when Sefa's face fell.

"Thank you for your consideration," Sefa said in a strained voice. She ended the call and started to wring the cloth napkin in her hand. "They did a background check, and my arrest for soliciting popped up. So not only am I a whore to them, I'm a whore with a record." She threw the napkin down on the plate. "This is the third rejection this week."

"I know someone. They can set you up with something…" Gwen was already scrolling through her contacts ready to make the call now but Sefa stopped her.

"Just stop," Sefa said coldly. "It's your fault I'm in this situation in the first place."

"Sefa, I'm only trying to help."

"I don't need your charity." Sefa looked away, trying not to cry. She noticed the chic atmosphere of the restaurant. "Oh, God. I'm getting it right now. Is this your way of making amends?"

"I'm just—"

"No!" Sefa jumped out of her chair. "Just stay out of my life!" she shouted, and stormed out the restaurant.

Gwen felt countless of eyes on her. She left twice the amount of the bill on the table and made her own hasty exit.

* * *

Arthur's phone was on silent during the meeting but on top of the desk. He saw it light up for the incoming call. _Guinevere_. When the call ended, the screen went dark. He focused back on Gaius until his attention was brought back to the phone when the screen lit up again, notifying him of a new voicemail. Something about it nagged Arthur, so he excused himself to listen to the message.

"_My name is Guinevere Leodegrance, formerly Maynard, and I killed my husband…" _Her message detailed how she planned and executed Helios' death. _"I always thought about killing him. Then one day at the botanical garden, I was entranced by the beauty of a belladonna plant. When I got home, I realized I had plucked one of the flowers and had been carrying it around in my pocket. I heard of the flower's poisonous properties and read more about it. Detective Pendragon was right; poison is a woman's weapon. I kept going back to the garden, inconspicuously plucking flowers every time." _There was a pause and a small chuckle. _"They should maybe increase their security." _The lighter tone was quickly dropped when she continued. _"Being a dutiful housewife, I always had a pot of tea ready for Helios when he came home from __**work**__. The day he died—the day I killed him—I told him I would probably be late coming home, but the tea leaves and belladonna—which he didn't know, obviously—were already in the tea pot. All he had to do was add water…" _There was a brief but heavy silence. **"**_Well, that's pretty much it. You can arrest me now. You have my address. The door will be open."_

"End of messages," the automated voice said and gave him the option to erase or save it. Arthur saved it, popped his head back in the meeting room, and said he had to handle an emergency. Gaius let him go without a second thought.

Her door was indeed open, unlocked instead of broken in like her previous residence. "Guinevere?" He called out to her as he went down the hall. Tiny barked in response. He entered the living room where she sat on the couch, back to him, arms raised in surrender. "What are you doing?"

Gwen looked back at him with a frown and dropped her arms. "Did Superintendent Gaius send you? Is it his way of giving you the honor of having your perfect record restored?" She leaned over the back of the couch and held out her wrists to be handcuffed. "Well, what are you waiting for?"

She wasn't really focusing on him, and she couldn't hold out her arms without the support of the couch. Arthur saw an empty wine bottle on the coffee table. "That message was meant for Gaius?"

Gwen's mouth formed a silent _oooh_. "I should probably try again." She looked around. "Where'd I put my phone?" She called Tiny over to her, bent down to his level, and scratched behind his ears. "Do you know here I put my phone?"

"_Ruff!" _was Tiny's response.

"I'll take that as a no," she sighed. "I'm gonna miss you." Tiny whimpered when she pulled away. She tried to stand and failed, flopping back on the couch.

"I'm not arresting you, but a night in the drunk tank might do you some good," Arthur said, and sat down next to her. "What brought this on?"

"Wouldn't you like to know," Gwen grumbled, reclining back and draping an arm over her face.

"I would, actually."

"Sefa. She's been struggling to find work. I've been trying to help, but she keeps giving up. She blamed me for ruining her life." Gwen let out a resentful laugh. "She's not wrong. Look at me trying to be the savior of working girls. No matter how hard I try, I can't undo what I did. How many lives did I ruin? Those girls are scarred for life. I don't deserve to walk free."

Tiny rested his head on Gwen's knees and looked from her to Arthur with sad puppy dog eyes. Gwen blindly reached out to pet him with her other hand, missing several times before Arthur took it and rested it on Tiny's head. "It's not your fault," he said.

The arm across Gwen's face dropped. She sat up with a clear and pained expression. "The moment I found out…I could've…_should've_ done something. In life you always have a choice. Sometimes it's easier to think that you don't."

Choices can have consequences. Arthur knew that no matter what she chose, the odds would've been against her. "Going against a man like Helios usually results in death."

"That would've been a blessing," Gwen said.

"And then there would've been a lot more girls in trouble," Arthur finished.

Gwen lazily waved her finger at him. "I see what you're trying to do and it's sweet, but the guilt won't go away." She fell back again, and her eyes lingered closed. "How long will it take me to be made a prison wife? I have all the makings of one: meek and obedient. I'm just a scared little girl, like you said."

Arthur hated when people misconstrued his words. "I didn't say you were a scared little girl. I said you can drop the tough girl act. And you're none of those things. You're just drunk."

She didn't respond, and remained in that sprawled position. If she stayed that way, she would surely be feeling it in the morning. Arthur sighed and picked her up, slinging her over his shoulder. She protested half heartedly and threatened to kill him. "I did it before, and I can do it again!"

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Uh huh. Where's your bedroom?"

"That way, Neanderthal." Her directions were ineffective with her torso slung over his back. Tiny moved in front of him and led him to the bedroom. He tossed her down on the bed, and Tiny hopped up and curled up at her feet.

"You certainly have a way with women." Gwen muttered, rolling over and burying her head in the pillow. "Next time just club me over the head, and drag me by my hair."

Arthur glanced around the room. It was sparsely decorated and boxes still needed to be unpacked. The only other furniture was a computer chair, desk, and lamp. He sat in the chair.

"You're not gonna watch me sleep, are you? Because that's creepy," Gwen said. "Or are you making sure I don't call in another confession…to the right number this time."

"The second one."

"Well, you have the message, though you don't strike me as the blackmailing type."

Arthur liked having the upper hand. He's gotten quite a few confessions with blackmail, but she didn't have to know that. "Do you want to test that theory?"

"You can go. I promise I won't do anything stupid. I don't see why you care anyway. It's not like we're…" Gwen let out a long yawn, "…friends…"

"Guinevere?"

She responded with soft breathing. She was asleep. Arthur got up and stretched. When he pushed the chair back in, he spotted a stack of post-it notes behind the laptop.

* * *

Gwen's head was splitting in two. She sat up as slowly as possible, but her brain still rattled. She pressed her temples with the heel of her palms, and then ran her hands down her face, coming in contact with a piece of paper. She pulled the post-it away and squinted. She didn't know if it was the appalling handwriting or her hangover that made it worse than it appeared.

_Reminder—_

_Don't do something stupid._

A smile began to form but a passing car backfired causing Tiny to let out a distressed bark. Gwen groaned, flopping back on the bed and smothering her face with the pillow.

She forced herself up two hours later and treated herself to aspirin and coffee. Her first thought with her freshly cleared head was Arthur's relationship with Mithian. Gwen felt like she had her favorite toy taken from her. She now sympathized with Tiny when she had to throw away her slipper he destroyed while using as a chew toy.

The last time she felt jealousy, her brother and father were still alive. When they were children, their father got Elyan a bicycle and she threw a tantrum, saying it wasn't fair that he got one and she didn't. Then Elyan fell off the bike and lost a tooth. Her tantrum turned into fits and giggles.

The detective was the closest she had to a friend. The least she could do is be happy for him.

Tiny was pawing at the door, itching to go for a walk. Gwen was itching to not do something stupid.

They entered the gallery and were quickly approached by one of the workers. "Excuse me, Miss, but animals are not allowed in here," she practically screeched. If Gwen had to listen to her any more, her headache would return.

"There were plenty of those teacup dogs in here a few days ago," Gwen said. The woman tried to deny it. "Oh please, every purse had a fuzzy head sticking out of it."

She let herself into Mithian's office. Tiny bounded in, causing Mithian to startle back.

"What—Mrs. May—Ms. Leodegrance! What's the meaning of this?"

Gwen sat in the chair, and Tiny sat next to her on the floor without being commanded.

Mithian looked at Tiny. "Um…dogs aren't allowed inside."

Gwen lifted an eyebrow. "Well I couldn't just leave him tied up outside. Someone could steal him. People are prone to stealing, you know. Cars, jewelry, husbands, etcetera, etcetera…" She tilted her head. "Or is there just a size limit, because during the opening…"

Mithian laughed falling back into her chair. "Some woman and their dog accessories. It's ridiculous!"

Gwen forced a smile. "Yes, anyway, I was wondering if I could have a quick word."

"Of course," Mithian nodded.

"I was a bit short with you at the opening. I apologize for that," It pained Gwen to say.

"I understand. I couldn't imagine being widowed so young," Mithian said softly. She leaned forward as if projecting her sympathy. "Helios was a generous contributor to the gallery. Would you mind telling me where he's buried? I'd love to leave some flowers."

While Mithian had been talking, Gwen was picking dirt out under her fingernails. She looked up. "Huh? Oh. You can try the dump." Having to fake her emotions all the time trained her in not inappropriately laughing at the look on Mithian's face. "I had him cremated. I threw his ashes in the trash."

That still didn't help the other woman understand. Gwen prepared to explain how much of a scumbag Helios was, but a knock on the door stopped her.

Mithian quickly looked at the door. "Um, c-come in," she said.

Lance came in. "Oh, you're busy."

Gwen studied the artist looking just as dashing in a white button down, jeans, and sneakers as he did in his tuxedo. An artist in a tux was a sight to behold. A very handsome artist in a tux. "You've got something on your…" she indicated to his collar.

Lance blushed and his hand went to his shirt collar. "Must be paint," he muttered. "I'll, uh, talk to you later, Mithian. Excuse me." He left, closing the door behind him.

Gwen turned back to a Mithian who was looking a little flushed. "It's always the lipstick on the collar that gives it away—which brings me back to why I'm here. I'll make this quick like I intended this to be." Mithian looked nervous and confused. It was Gwen's turn to lean forward, projecting intimidation. "I met Detective Pendragon before the opening. Helios was murdered and he was on the case. What I came to tell you is that Arthur is a good man. Much too good for you."

"E-Excuse me?"

"Hurt him and you'll be sorry."

Tiny ruffed. "Are you ready to go, boy?" Gwen asked sweetly, the complete opposite of how she sounded seconds before. Tiny wagged his tail. "Yeah, me too. Enjoy the rest of your day, Mithian." She got up and Tiny followed. They left Mithian in a stunned silence.

* * *

**A/N:** This should've been up earlier, but I started knitting socks and weeeellllll… haha. Did you notice that I threw in Gwen's line from 1x06? I get really excited when I can incorporate stuff from the show into aus, especially this one since the characters are OOC (but a good OOC I hope?).

Just fyi I totes exaggerated Helios' death. Back when I wrote it I was wracking my brain for gruesome death by poisons and my brain was like DING Game of Thrones. Talk about excellent book to screen translation, if you know what I'm talking about. (purposely not saying in case there are readers who are catching up and avoid spoilers like the plague)

To my dear **Guest **who mentioned the magic compass from Your Greatest Desire in Across the Universe (which I should get to adding to one of these days), it can make an appearance in this…in the form of a GPS! Ooooooooor a murder case in which someone was killed over a very interesting trinket hmmmm.

Don't worry if suggestions haven't made an appearance yet. I'm trying to make things flow episode/story-like instead of one-shots. But there will be a kidnapping or something, more heart to hearts, definitely the knights helping to renovate Gwen's dance studio, UST, and more!

So keep those suggestions coming and **THANKS ALWAYS** for reading, reviewing, following, and favoriting! (wow this author's note was long)


	8. (Mis)understanding

**(Mis)understanding**

If it wasn't a dead body, it was paperwork, and Arthur would take a corpse over deskwork any day. He wasn't above passing it over to someone else. Too bad Merlin was out. He dropped another form into the done pile and pulled out his phone. He opened his saved messages and put the phone to his ear.

"_My name is Guinevere Leodegrance, formerly Maynard, and I killed my husband…"_

He lost track of how many times he listened to the message. When he left Gwen last night, he played it over and over, feeling like he was discovering something new about her each time. The first time all he heard was a cold, clear confession. Now after seeing her in a state of vulnerability, he was reading between the lines, or in this case, listening.

"_I always thought about killing him…"_

It was more than a crime of passion, it was premeditated. Calculated. Gwen was a woman who had her reasons.

When she shot the prostitute killer, she deposited three bullets up the spinal cord. The third was through the neck. It wasn't luck, it was skill. The first shot alone guaranteed death. The rest was for show.

_She chuckled at her own comment about the botanical garden's lack of security._

She threatened to kill him when he dragged her to bed. It was a drunken, empty threat that he dismissed. But the more he thought about what she was capable of, a bit of fear crept into him.

Arthur's office door opened to reveal a panicked Mithian rambling about being threatened. He quickly ended the message. "Close the door behind you, take a seat, and repeat that more clearly," he said to her in a calm tone.

Mithian took a deep breath and composed herself before doing what he said. She smoothed down her skirt and sat with perfect posture. "Guinevere Leodegrance killed her husband, and now she's going to kill me."

Yeah, that's what Arthur thought he heard. "What makes you think this?"

"She practically told me!" Mithian was quickly losing it. "She waltzed into the gallery with her beast of a dog and threatened me! She said she threw Helios' ashes in the trash. Then she said if I hurt you I'll be sorry. Shouldn't you be writing this down?"

"Right," Arthur said slowly, grabbing his notepad and pen. "And I play into this because…?"

That's when Mithian looked guilty. "I, um, had a thing with Helios, and now she's punishing me."

Arthur paused his note-taking "A thing?"

Mithian's lips thinned, wanting to remain tight-lipped, but honesty prevailed. "We had a relationship."

"A sexual relationship," Arthur said, resuming his notes. It wasn't a question, and it was confirmed when Mithian nodded.

"She knew. I'm sure of it. That's why she killed him, and now she's coming after me!"

As Arthur transcribed Mithian's statement, he couldn't help but debunk everything she said. Gwen didn't fit the jealous wife profile. "You think she's trying to teach you a lesson?"

"Yes!"

Arthur tapped his pen on the pad for a moment. "Seeing how I have personal connections to this, I can't investigate, so I'll pass it on to Gaius." he said. "But listen, Helios was involved in dangerous business, and he had a lot of enemies." _Like his wife_, Arthur left unsaid.

"Dangerous business—oh, God. Like drugs?" Mithian really didn't know. She was just another woman Helios fooled.

"Among other things."

Mithian began to hyperventilate. Arthur ran out to the water cooler and brought her back a cup of water. She drank it down and took a deep breath. "That's it? I just wait while the wife of a kingpin is watching my every move."

Arthur put a hand on her shoulder. "Gaius will look into it right away, I promise. But you have nothing to worry about." Mithian stood and they shared a hug. "I'll drop by later."

When Mithian left, Arthur pulled out his phone and played the message again. Gwen killed the Helios to save herself and at least hinder his operations. And she killed in order to save him.

She threatened Mithian to protect him?

"_My name is Guinevere Leodegrance, formerly Maynard, and I kil—" Beeep._

"Message deleted," the automated voice informed.

* * *

Gwen was comparing the prices of hardwood flooring when she heard the muffled ringing of her cell phone. She lifted up the cushions and looked under the couch but couldn't find it. With her ear closer to the ground, the ringing sounded louder. She scanned the floor and saw the device peeking out from under Tiny's dog bed. She side-eyed her dog on the couch. Tiny made a low whine and covered his face with his paw. He was caught.

She crawled quickly to the phone, grabbed it, and answered before the ringing stopped. "Hello?" If she had checked the caller ID, she would've seen that it was Arthur.

"Did you threaten Mithian?" he asked.

"We're going to have to work on your phone etiquette, detective. And no, not quite?" She scratched the back of her head. "Did she already come to you? I just saw her like an hour ago."

"You're going to get a call from Gaius asking you to come down to the station for your own statement," he said.

"Thanks for the warning?" Gwen wanted to laugh. Surely it wasn't proper procedure to give suspects of any kind a warning in advance. "Did she say anything else that you want to talk about?"

"Not now." Arthur grumbled a goodbye and hung up. At least he said goodbye. It was a start.

Shortly after, Gaius called to inform her of what she already knew and asked when she could come down to the station. She thought it was necessary to get it over with, and Gaius said he could fit her in this evening.

Gwen felt more comfortable in the interrogation room the second time around. She smiled at Gaius across from her as he passed her a Styrofoam cup of tea. "Thank you."

"Sorry it's so late; it's a very busy week." Gaius explained.

"It's alright." Gwen smirked behind her cup. "I'm sure Mithian is going mad with paranoia."

"Miss Nemeth has made a very serious accusation."

Gwen leaned back comfortably in her chair, crossing her legs and folding her hands on her knee. "I can explain that. Last night I was pretty hammered, made a few drunk dials… You know how it's so easy to do nowadays."

"It was quite hard in my day," Gaius reminisced, taking a moment. "Carrier pigeons."

Gwen laughed so hard there were tears in her eyes. She hoped this was some sort of record and that they would put up a plaque and name the interrogation room in her honor. "That's a good one." She wiped her eyes and smiled. The superintendent made her very comfortable. "This morning I was bit hungover, and I probably came off a little strong. It's just that Detective Pendragon and the force have been very helpful." Gwen sighed. "I shouldn't even say what I've thought about her."

"If it will help me understand the situation, feel free to continue," Gaius urged.

"Seeing Mithian again reminded me of Helios' affair with her. It was embarrassing, but at the same time I would wish that she was in my place, that he would leave me for her and I would be free. Is that a horrible thought?"

Gaius gave her a kind, grandfatherly smile. "It's a fair thought."

Gwen got a second wind. "Knowing the type of person Mithian is, I don't want Detective Pendragon to be a victim of her…extracurricular activities. It doesn't mean I'm going to kill her, or that I killed Helios because of their affair. That's ridiculous. I did—"

Gaius made a throat clearing noise. Gwen got the hint. "That's all I have to say, Superintendent. It was just a misunderstanding."

* * *

Arthur stayed an extra hour to watch the interrogation via the livefeed. When they were done, he left immediately to avoid Gwen. In the parking lot, he found her sitting on the hood of his car. He paused at the site of her, sighed, and then continued his trudge to his car. He sat next to her. "So, you're trying to look out for me, huh?"

"Well, I don't want any future heartbreak to cloud your judgment in investigations," Gwen said casually.

Arthur observed her. "I'm sure that's why."

"So how does it feel to be doing the woman that did Helios?" Gwen saw Arthur fight back his reaction, so she made the OK sign with her left hand and repeatedly poked her right index finger through the hole. Arthur blanketed her hands with one of his, pinning them to the car between them. She grinned. "You didn't give Gaius my confession. And I was about to give myself away during the interrogation but he stopped me. This is one of those forces where some things are just swept under the rug." She leaned in and whispered, "Out of sight, out of mind."

With her close proximity and the emptiness of the garage, her delicate whisper danced around him. Arthur fought back a shiver. "Sometimes Gaius can go either way. If you had consciously surrendered, he would put you away. He stopped you from incriminating yourself because he thinks you're better off free," he explained.

It was Gwen's turn to do the observing. Arthur was very much by the book. Despite their odd little friendship, if she dare call it that, she knew that her getting away with murder must have driven him crazy. "But you're not like that. You kept my message."

He gave her a look of feigned confusion. "What message?"

Gwen leaned her forehead on Arthur's shoulder, hiding her smile. His hand was still covering hers. She slipped one out and covered his, sandwiching his hands. "And I thought I was the sneaky one."

The sound of footsteps echoing across the garage pulled them apart. Gwen slipped off the hood and Arthur fiddled with his car keys. "Do you need a ride?"

Gwen told him no. "It's just a quick ride on the tube."

"Good," Arthur said with a friendly grin. "Because you're out of my way."

She shook her head as she walked away. "You're such a gentleman," she said over her shoulder.

On his way home Arthur stopped at Mithian's. She opened the door and smiled. "Well, I must say that this is the sexiest security detail I've ever seen." She smoothed out his jacket lapel and leaned into him.

"Sexy, yes. Security detail, no."

Mithian dropped her hands and frowned. "What?"

"You're not in danger. It was all a misunderstanding." Arthur hoped he phrased it carefully enough. The look of agitation on his girlfriend's face told him he failed.

"A misunderstanding? On my part? She killed her husband!"

"Guinevere did not kill Helios," he lied. "And she's not going to kill you."

Mithian took several heavy breaths. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely," Arthur said and kissed her cheek. "Stop worrying and get some rest."

Arthur briefly wondered if he was being an inattentive boyfriend for leaving Mithian tonight. She asked him to stay, but it's been a long day and he has an early morning tomorrow. This was the third time they were trying to make their relationship work. But if Arthur was honest with himself, he was tired of trying.

He leaned his head against the door of his flat and lazily unlocked it. That action alone felt like a burden. Inside, he threw the keys on the side table where they slid off and onto the floor. He knew he should pick them up now or he'd forget where they were tomorrow, but he was too tired to follow through. He took off his jacket instead, loosened his tie, and laid back on the couch. It was dead quiet, allowing him to stew in his thoughts.

His thoughts wavered back and forth between Mithian and Gwen. He wondered if she cheated on him in the past. If she did, was it with Helios? It's _a small world, _he snickered at the thought. Was she cheating on him now? Was Gwen's warning actually for him? He felt his opinion of Mithian changing. Could he still trust her?

_Like he trusted Guinevere._

* * *

**A/N: **So I have an ending in mind. And there will be a sequel!

Next chapter – more fun with the knights!

**Thanks always **for reading and reviewing!


	9. Some Assembly Required

**Some Assembly Required**

Arthur was at Mithian's gallery waiting for her to finish up before they went out for lunch. He chose to wait by the doors, not having any interest in looking around at Lance's paintings again. He didn't like them the first time and he wouldn't again.

His phone rang. The sound carried across the space, earning him annoyed looks from visitors. "Pendragon," he answered.

"I'm not a colleague. You can at least start with a hello," Gwen lectured from the other end. "But if I became a confidential informant, that would make me a colleague…sort of."

"No," Arthur said firmly. He saw Mithian make her way towards him. He held up a finger, telling her to give him a moment. He turned his back to her. "What do you want?"

"Do you know any one handy with, well, handiwork?"

"For your renovation?"

"Yes."

"Why don't you just hire someone?" Arthur suggested. "Or you could apply to be on one of those renovation shows."

"There's an overwhelming amount of contractors to choose from." Gwen paused. "Don't know who to choose or who to trust."

Arthur looked back to see Mithian and Lance engaged deep in conversation. Sure he's an artist, but did he have to hang around the gallery all the time? All his paintings sold. _Stay_ _home and make some more, man, _Arthur thought with a snicker. Mithian gave Lance a peck on the cheek before he left. Arthur wouldn't have thought anything of it before. It's what the posh and artsy type did. But now…

"Detective?" Gwen's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Huh?"

"I asked if you knew anyone."

"Yeah," he said. "Percival use to work in construction. I'll ask him."

"Thank you."

* * *

Gwen sat on a stack of long boxes filled with floorboards. She watched Tiny prod around the empty space, sniffing along the walls and in the corners. A car zoomed by and he barked, the loud _vroom_ interrupting his exploration. It sounded much louder than his usual barks because of the empty space. Gwen couldn't wait for the room to be filled with music and dancing. With people.

She wanted to do the renovation alone and get her hands dirty in a noncriminal way for once. But the moment the delivery men brought in the boxes and she realized that she didn't even own tools, she knew she was in over her head.

She lied to Arthur on the phone. She hadn't looked up contractors before calling him. She didn't trust strangers coming into her home. It was weird considering she would be inviting strangers to dance in her studio, but at least she shared a common interest with them. And if the contractor was someone Arthur knew, then she knew she could trust them.

Her phone rang. Arthur was calling back.

"Hello?" Gwen said, trying not to sound eager. "Also, that's how you answer a phone."

She could feel Arthur's glare. "I talked to Percival. Would you be ready to start renovating tomorrow?"

She wasn't prepared for it to be so soon but, "Yes." Her lips curled up. "Tomorrow will be great."

* * *

The next day Gwen was surprised to see not just Percival but Arthur, Merlin, Leon, and Gwaine as well. Percival carried a large tool bag, and Gwaine held a case of beer. "This isn't what I was expecting."

"Arthur said you needed a contractor," Percival said.

Gwen waved a finger around at the others. "And the rest of you?."

"The station did a community service project rebuilding a village that had a terrible fire," Leon said. "So we all have some sort of construction experience."

Gwaine grinned. "In truth, we didn't want Percival to get all the attention."

Gwen chuckled at that. "Don't be silly. I like you all just the same, well, maybe Merlin a little bit more." She shared a smile with Merlin. "And that," she pointed at the case of beer, "is not being opened until the work is done. I will not be held accountable for drunken mistakes."

Arthur shot her a look that said, _"You would know." _She caught his eye and bit back a knowing smile.

"Yes, ma'am," Gwaine saluted.

She invited them in and they worked through the flooring. With six sets of hands, work was getting done very quickly. The real challenge was setting up the mirrors.

Percival presented her with an idea. "We can turn it into a wall of storage cabinets. Each mirror is actually a door. You'll lose about a few feet from the wall, but you'll still have plenty of room."

Gwen got a glimmer in her eye. "You had me at storage."

"I know exactly what materials I need. I'll just run out and get them," Percival said, already heading to the door.

"Wait." Gwen pulled out a credit card and handed it to him. "Don't worry about the cost." She didn't kill Helios with the intention of inheriting his fortune, but it was a bonus.

Percival took Leon with him to the hardware store. The rest of them laid out on the floor on their break.

Merlin gave the floor a fond pat. "This floor is very comfortable."

"It's good on the feet," said Gwen.

Gwaine folded his hands behind his head. "And the back."

Arthur zone out their chatter, but Gwaine and Merlin were right. The floor was very comfortable, and despite all the work he's been doing, he felt relaxed. But it was short-lived when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out and it felt more violent in his hand.

Hearing the vibration Merlin said, "Don't tell me it's Gaius."

"It's not Gaius" Arthur sat up and contemplated answering. "It's Mithian." The call ended, and he laid back down. It probably wasn't important.

"Trouble in paradise?" Gwaine wiggled his eyebrows.

Arthur closed his eyes and folded his hands on his chest. "Shut up, Gwaine."

They could hear Tiny's barking from upstairs. Gwen stared at the ceiling. "So who wants to take Tiny out so he can do his business?" No one volunteered. "Right, then," she sighed, getting up. "Don't destroy the place. I'll be back in a bit."

Later on when Percival and Leon returned, Gwen saw everything coming together. The last mirrored door panel was put in place and she clapped with glee. Arthur raised an eyebrow at her, surprised by her sudden display of emotion.

"Oh thank you, thank you!" Gwen was practically on the verge of tears.

Arthur's phone went off again. "Excuse me." He looked to Merlin. "And this time it really is Gaius." He stepped out and watched through the window as Gwen hugged each of them, and Gwaine passed around beers. "Yes, Gaius?"

"I'm sorry for interrupting your day off—"

"But?"

"The prison has been monitoring Cenred's calls and his last few conversations with his wife have raised suspicion."

Arthur frowned. "Like what?"

"Ms. Leodegrance comes up frequently." Arthur could hear the sound of Gaius flipping pages. He must be looking at the transcripts.

"Threats?" he asked.

"No, or, at least not yet. Keep an eye out," Gaius instructed, though Arthur didn't really need to be told.

"Got it."

When the call ended, Arthur turned around and Gwen was right there. He startled. _"Jesus!"_

Gwen smirked. "I know, I know, I need to stop doing that, but it's just so easy. Isn't part of your job to observe? You sure don't pay much attention to your surroundings."

"I don't have eyes on the back of my head." He noticed her genuine smile. "You're not going to hug me too, are you?"

"Of course not," she said. "But I do want to thank you."

"It was nothing."

Gwen's face grew serious. "Well can I ask you a favor as well?"

"What is it?" Arthur asked, slightly concerned by her sudden change in demeanor.

"I haven't heard from Sefa, and when I call her I don't get an answer. Could you…" The worry was heavy in Gwen's voice. "Could you just keep an eye out if her face pops up in your system?" _Dead or alive._

Arthur put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You got it."

"Thanks," she said and turned back to go inside before Arthur could remove his hand.

His arm fell limply to his side, and Arthur flexed his fingers. Before he followed her in he surveyed the street. Everything appeared normal. He made awkward eye contact with a man getting into his car, and saw a kid trip off his skateboard, but that was it. He finally went in and was greeted by Gwaine tossing a beer to him.

The man Arthur made eye contact with drove away, and pulling into the vacated space was an inconspicuous car.

Its occupant never got out.

* * *

**A/N: **There was supposed to be more fun with the knights but it didn't work out. They will keep making appearances though! And now for the fun of Arthur keeping tabs on Gwen :D

**Thanks always **for reading and reviewing!


	10. Meet the Parent

**Meet the Parent**

Arthur treated Gwen to breakfast at their usual spot. He was left alone at their table when she excused herself to use the restroom. He saw another woman immediately go in after her, and he felt nervous. Gaius's call yesterday had increased his paranoia.

Gwen's phone vibrated and the screen lit with a text from Morgana. It was short enough that he could read the whole thing in the preview.

_Shopping at 5?_

Arthur turned the phone over and slid off the back. He took a small microchip out of his pocket and put it in. He replaced the back and put the phone back on Gwen's side of the table.

"_Ahem!" _A woman the next table over purposely cleared her throat and glared at him.

Arthur shrugged. "What can I say? I suffer from jealous boyfriend syndrome."

When Gwen returned, the woman ratted on him. "Your boyfriend was snooping through your phone."

"Guilty," he said, not denying it.

Gwen looked amused, the other woman didn't. "Find anything interesting?"

"Morgana wanted to know if five o'clock was a good time for shopping. Why are you hanging out with her?"

"Jealous that I'm hanging out with your friends now?" Gwen picked up her phone to respond to Morgana's text.

"She's my sister, not my friend" he muttered.

Gwen was about to respond but stopped. She turned to the woman still watching them. "You can mind your own business now." The woman huffed and moved her seat. "I think you're checking the wrong woman's phone." She leaned forward, crossing her arms on the table. "Don't you trust me?"

DCI Arthur Pendragon didn't like getting asked questions. That was his job. "More than I used to," he answered.

"Oh?" Gwen's interest peaked. "And what is it that doesn't make you completely?"

"What would you do if I cross you?" he asked in an attempt to gain control of the conversation.

She wasn't having it. "Do I frighten you, detective?"

They stared at each other for a long second. Arthur's phone interrupted them. His father was calling. "Hello father."

"So you do know how to politely answer a phone," Gwen said quietly with a judgmental look over her coffee cup.

Arthur turned away from her slightly. "Arthur, I wanted to ask you about the woman who gave you the list of traffickers."

"What about her?" From the corner of his eye, he could see that Gwen was looking away but kept an ear in his direction trying to eavesdrop. She noticed him looking, and with a smile she held a hand up to her ear. "Do you actually have time to investigate now?"

"I would like to meet her before pursuing," Uther said.

"Do you have a preferred time?"

"As soon as possible."

"Of course. I'll get back to you. Bye father." Arthur hung up after his Uther returned the goodbye. "He wants to meet with you," he told Gwen.

Gwen gasped dramatically with her hand to her chest. _"Moi?"_

"I passed the list onto him. He wants to look into it."

Her hand dropped, and the rare look of shock flashed across her face. "You really gave it to him?"

"I know we weren't on the best of terms, but it was a serious request." They've come a long way since then. "When's the soonest you want to meet him?"

"I suspect he's a man who likes to get things done promptly." Gwen propped both elbows on the table and rested her chin on her hands. "Tomorrow? I always wanted to meet a spy."

Arthur shook his head at her ridiculousness. "My father's not a spy. Why do you keep insisting that?"

Gwen folded her arms back on the table and sighed with exasperation. "Because there's got to be _something _interesting about you."

"I didn't want to follow in my father's footsteps into the Security Service," he said, and his answer earned him an eye roll from Gwen.

She sighed again. _"Boring."_

* * *

When Arthur got to the station, he found the prison transcripts waiting for him on his desk. Gaius had taken the liberty of highlighting the concerning segments.

**Morgause:** Helios is still missing?

**Cenred:** I'm sure he's dead. I bet she killed him. No one gets away from Helios.

**Morgause:** And no one gets away with murder when they're sloppy, and when their employers brag about it.

**Cenred:** She's working for the cops and had Alvarr set up. The bitch needs to be put down.

**Morgause:** And I supposed you want me to do something about it. You know I don't like getting my hands dirty.

On another page:

**Cenred:** Well?

**Morgause:** Don't rush me. I have my own business to attend to.

**Cenred:** Hurry up. She's probably given all our information to the cops.

**Morgause:** Relax, my love. Little Gwen will get what's coming to her.

* * *

Gwen had dresses strewn about her bed unable to pick one. What do you wear when you're meeting with the director of the MI5? They were originally supposed to meet in Uther's office, but Arthur called saying his father had to attend an impromptu meeting and suggested they'd meet later over dinner.

Dinner was at a five star restaurant no different than the ones Helios would take her to except for the company. "Keep it simple, stupid," she muttered to herself, contemplating her options. She held up a simple black wrap dress that fell below the knees, but then noticed the deep v-neck. She grabbed another one in blue, a little shorter, but with a much more modest neckline.

As the cab pulled up to the restaurant, she saw Arthur standing outside waiting for her. He looked more like a reflection of his upbringing. When she approached him she couldn't find any fault in his appearance. There wasn't a wrinkle on his suit or a hair out of place. He looked expensive.

"You clean up nice," she commented, but something about it bothered her that she couldn't put her finger on.

The corner of Arthur's mouth quirked up. "Thank you?" he said, unsure of her complement. He looked at his watch, and Gwen was entranced by the shine reflecting off the platinum Rolex. "Right on time, which means we're late."

The host led them to the table in a quiet corner where Uther was waiting for them. He stood and Gwen felt intimidated.

Arthur introduced them. "Father, meet Guinevere Leodegrance. Guinevere, this is Uther Pendragon, director of MI5."

Gwen stretched out her hand. "Thank you for taking interest."

Uther shook it with a firm grip. "I apologize for pushing the time back."

"It's completely understandable," Gwen said. "Ensuring the safety of the nation is more important, sir." The words fell quickly out of her mouth and she mentally kicked herself.

The slightest movement of his mouth suggested that Uther just smirked. "Please, sit. Let's enjoy the food before we talk serious business."

Arthur let out the breath he didn't know he was holding. He notice Gwen was still standing stiff and put a comforting hand on her back. It seemed to have shocked the tension out of her. He pulled the chair out for her and tilted his head to it.

"Oh, right, yes." She regained her wits herself and sat. "Thank you," she said to Arthur as he went to take his own seat.

Conversation over dinner was shallow. Arthur evaded his father's questions about Mithian and responded smartly when he took not-so-subtle jabs at his job.

Soon the conversation turned to Gwen's studio, which she happily talked about. "I really have your son and the other officers to thank. Nothing would've been done without their help."

Uther looked intrigued. "Why didn't you call a contractor?"

"Officer Percival Grail was one, didn't you say?" Gwen asked Arthur to get him on the the conversation.

Arthur nodded. "And remember, father, the force helped rebuild Ealdor Village." Uther made a sound of acknowledgement. Arthur then turned back to Gwen. "We didn't go into detail, but that's where Merlin's from. It was an arson case that Merlin solved while assisting the local police. But we don't talk about it much because he lost a childhood friend."

"How bittersweet," Gwen said and felt for Merlin.

"Speaking of bittersweet," Uther began, turning the attention back on Gwen. "Someone in your predicament would be safer in witness protection."

That ruffled Gwen's feathers. "I'm working to get my life and my _identity_ back. I can't do that under a new name and living in fear."

"By opening a business under your name, you're putting a target on your back and putting others in danger," Uther said sternly.

Gwen looked him hard in the eye. "Well you better stop them, then."

* * *

By the end of dinner, Gwen had told Uther everything she knew about the traffic ring. His notepad was practically filled. "You've given me more than enough information," he said as they waited in the valet line.

"Good luck," Gwen smiled.

Uther's car was brought up and they said their goodbyes. Arthur offered to give Gwen a ride home which she accepted this time.

Alone, they waited for the valet to bring Arthur's car around. Arthur stuck his hands in his pockets and rocked on his feet. "Taking down terrorist and such is grand and all, but I'd rather catch killers, and help people get justice and find closure."

Gwen looked up at him. "Stop the bad guys in our own backyards."

"Yeah," Arthur nodded.

"What about joining Scotland Yard?"

Arthur looked down at her and grinned. "Careful. You're starting to sound like my father."

Gwen's hand darted for his head and Arthur jumped out of her reach. "Relax; I'm not going to hurt you." She went for him again and mussed up his hair.

"_Whatareyou—"_ Arthur batted her hand away.

His interception made it much worse and Gwen laughed. He didn't let her finish, so his hair looked like a bird's nest. "Hold on," she reached out to him again and brought it back to its usual light tousle. "There. That's been bothering me all night." She had figured it out halfway through dinner when he had turned his head to the side and got a closer look at the pretentious side sweep of his fringe.

The valet drove up with the car, left the driver's side door open for Arthur, and Arthur opened the passenger door for Gwen before the valet could.

They held a casual conversation until they got to Gwen's, and the mood was suddenly tense. Gwen didn't make a move to get out. "If you're waiting for me to open the door for you then I'm sorry. I filled my gentleman quota for the day," Arthur joked.

Gwen made no acknowledgement of his lame attempt to lighten the mood. "Do you think you're father can really find all of them?" she asked quietly, staring at the dashboard.

"He won't rest until he does."

She finally looked at him with a bit of hope. "You may not want to follow in his footsteps, but you've picked up some of his traits."

"Yeah, well…" Arthur looked away from her. He was his father's son. Across the street and a few cars down he saw a dark figure sitting in a car. It was too dark to tell if the person was looking back at him. Arthur got out of the car.

"Where are you going?" Gwen said and watched him round the vehicle to go on her side. He opened the door for her. "Oh," she said as she realized his intention. "Are you going to walk me to the door while you're at it?"

"I think you can manage," Arthur said, closing the door behind her. He stuck his hands in his pockets and leaned against the car. "If my father finds anything, I'll let you know immediately."

She smiled. "Goodnight, Arthur."

He nodded. "Guinevere."

Gwen gave him a playfully stern look. "You're not on duty, detective."

Arthur bowed his head trying to hide his smile. He looked back up unable to fight it. "_Goodnight_, Guinevere."

* * *

Arthur waited until he saw the light come on in the upstairs windows. When he went back to the driver's side, the headlights of the other car shined on him, blinding him for a moment. It pulled out of its spot and sped by.

Instead of tailing the car, he drove a couple feet in the opposite direction, parked, and got out and into passenger side of the unmarked car that was a few spots behind the mystery vehicle.

"_Aw_, no kiss on the first date?" Gwaine teased from the driver's seat.

"Shut up, Gwaine. Did you get the plate number?"

"Yeah, but…" Gwaine swiveled the laptop to him. The car was registered to an elderly woman who definitely wasn't the current occupant.

Arthur clenched his jaw when he didn't see the information he was hoping to see. "It's not reported stolen."

Gwaine riddled off some theories. "Could've just been a guy borrowing his gran's car. Or maybe he knocked the lady unconscious and jacked it. _Ooor_ it's his gran's, and he knocked her unconscious—killed her if we're going the morbid route, and took off with the car… All so he can spy on Gwen." Arthur gave him a look. "Don't give me that look. I've been stuck in here for the last five hours. I could've entertained myself another way, but I didn't have any Kleenex."

"Thus sparing the eyes of any innocent passing by." Arthur leaned his head back against the headrest. "Who's next on watch?"

"Percy."

"Right. Give him a call."

As Arthur moved to get out of the car Gwaine said, "What? No goodnight kiss for me either?" He puckered his lips and Arthur flipped him off with a laugh.

* * *

**A/N: **If you follow me and my stories then "Holy update spree, Batman!" *falls over*

**Thanks always** for reading and reviewing!


	11. Something Wicked This Way Comes

**Something Wicked This Way Comes**

Arthur liked this office better than the one at the station. The grayscale set the mood, and _Arthur Pendragon, P.I. _on the frosted glass of the door window was a nice touch. He wished he could go back in time and give his childhood self a high-five. Now all he needed was a case. He cracked his knuckles and sat back in his chair.

The silhouette of a person appeared behind the glass, and a beautiful dame came through the door. She was dressed in a dark grey trench coat and matching floppy hat. She sat down, crossed her smooth ash colored legs (_a lovely set of gams,_ Arthur thought), and tilted up the brim of her hat to reveal her face. It was Gwen.

"Can I get you something to drink?" he offered.

"I can help myself," she said, and a cup of tea materialized in her hand.

Arthur leaned forward and folded his hands on his desk. "What can I do for you, sweetheart?"

The headlights from a passing car shined through the window and across the brim of Gwen's hat, casting a deep shadow across her face. He lost her eyes, but the corner of her black painted lips tilted up in a smirk. "I think the question is: What can I do for you, detective?"

"What you can do for me?"

"Just say the word and I can…" Gwen ran a finger across her neck, miming slitting a throat.

Arthur's eyes narrowed. "Who?"

Gwen giggled. "Mithian, silly."

"I don't want you to kill Mithian!" Arthur said, alarmed.

"But you don't want her in your life anymore."

"That doesn't mean I want her dead_._"

"Dead…gone," Gwen shrugged. "She'll be out of your life either way." Her obsidian eyes twinkled back at him, and Arthur failed to form words. "Clearly you have doubts. That's why you conjured me up." She took a long sip of her tea. When she put it down, a bright red lipstick stain was left on the rim of the white cup.

When he looked up she was gone, but then he felt her presence behind him. "Is there anything else I can do for you…?" Gwen whispered in his ear. Her hand slid up his arm, to his shoulder, and around his neck.

He couldn't breathe. He couldn't move. He clenched his eyes shut, and the grip tightened. He didn't know how much time passed, but when he felt the slight give in her hold, his eyes snapped open.

He was awake, back in the world of color and out of sleep paralysis.

This was not Arthur's ideal way to wake up on his day off. Fighting his sleep laden body, he got up. He probably should've waited until he was more put together before he called Mithian, but the universe was telling him it was time to rip off the Band-Aid.

Mithian's phone rang and rang, and Arthur was pretty sure it was about to go to voicemail, but she answered. "Arthur? What do I owe this early morning phone call? Do you want to do breakfa—"

"I can't do this anymore, Mithian." There. Bandage off.

"Do what? Us?" She paused. "Are you breaking up with me _first thing in the morning_?" her tone raised in the last bit. "Over the phone!"

"…Yes," Arthur said carefully.

"…"

He took her silence as a chance to continue. "Listen—"

"I don't think I want to," Mithian said tightly.

"Hear me out. This is our fourth—"

"Third," she corrected.

"Third time trying. It's not working." Arthur rubbed his brow. "You like du Lac, right?"

Mithian was shocked by the sudden change in subject. "I-I haven't slept with him."

That wasn't what he asked, and Arthur refrained from saying there were other ways to cheat as he didn't want to elongate the conversation. "Well now's your chance."

"I…don't know what to say… This is so sudden."

"You don't have to say anything. Bye, Mithian."

"Goodbye…Arthur."

He hung up first and sighed in relief.

* * *

Gwen peeked out the window and saw the car still parked across the street. She moved away and went to the door, grabbing the leash hanging on the hook next to it. Tiny bounded to her without needing to be called.

As they walked down the sidewalk, Gwen occasionally glanced behind her, but it didn't look like she was being followed by anyone suspicious. She got a shock when she faced forward again.

Tiny barked in response to her, and the woman in front of them jumped in reaction to Tiny. Gwen apologized on their behalf. "Sorry, I didn't see you there."

"It's alright," the lady smiled. "You're the owner of that studio, right?"

"Yes," Gwen nodded.

"I'm so glad it's not another one of those snooty coffee shops. Welcome to the neighborhood," she said, and was on her way.

Gwen thought about Uther's words and how she could be putting others in danger. She watched the lady for a couple of seconds and looked to see if anyone was watching her as well. _It's probably best I limit my interaction with the neighbors_, Gwen thought. For all she knew, she could be condemning the neighborhood to hell.

* * *

Newly single, Arthur felt a weight off his shoulders. He even had a spring in his step when he went to answer the door. He opened it to reveal a frazzled Merlin.

"I'm stupid. I'm so, so, _sooooo_ stupid," his partner rambled.

"I've been telling you that for years," Arthur said moving aside to let him in. "What happened?"

Merlin sat on the couch and lowered his hands in his hands. "I was going to propose to Freya last night."

Arthur knew it was coming because Merlin had been running ideas about how to do so all week. _"But?"_

"But I chickened out," Merlin groaned.

Arthur sat and patted him on the shoulder. "I'm not surprised."

Merlin dropped his hands and faced Arthur with the most pathetic look. "Do you want to know what I said? Do you?"

"Are you going to tell me, or are you going to keep asking if I want to know?"

Merlin geared up his tale. "We were having dinner and I said Freya will you—cue dramatic pause—"

"Get on with it, Merlin!"

"Alright, alright. I said, and I quote, 'Will you be a dear and get me a napkin.'"

It took approximately five seconds before Arthur registered what Merlin had said. He bellowed with laughter.

"Not only did I sound like an idiot, but an old woman as well." Merlin gave Arthur a shove. "Stop laughing!" he tried ordering, but he couldn't help but smile.

"I'm sure she thought nothing of it, mate," Arthur said, catching his breath. "It's not far off from how you usually are."

"Ha-ha," Merlin snickered.

Arthur got up to get them beers. "How about a Pink Panther marathon to cheer you up?"

Merlin agreed. "That'll be excellent."

"Right, then. Be a dear and pop the DVD in," Arthur laughed again, sitting back down with the beers in hand.

Merlin sucked in his lips in a pouty frown. "I hate you."

* * *

A block away from Gwen's place, Percival caught up to her. "Hello, Gwen. Can I walk you home?"

"Officer Grail, for a man your size, you sure are stealthy," Gwen complimented. "Do you have any idea about the men watching me? I mean the creepy ones, not you and the others."

"How long have you known?" he asked.

"Long enough." When they got to her door, Gwen took a quick glance at the car across the street. The man inside turned his head away a half second too late. "It's still your shift, right? I'll make you lunch."

Percival smiled. "Well I do have another hour…"

Gwen made them sandwiches, and they ate by the window so Percival could keep watch. Tiny sat by Percival's side with begging eyes. Percival gave him a piece of his sandwich without a second thought.

Gwen pointed with an accusing finger. "That's why he's so big, isn't it! You all just kept feeding him, turning him into a doggie garbage disposal."

Percival laughed and Tiny made a contented _ruff_. He looked back outside just in time to see the car leave an. "They're on a rotation," he said.

"Much like you guys," Gwen added and Percival gave her a look. "While you all look out for me, who is looking out for all of you?" she winked. "They're not much on top of each other though. You guys swap out immediately. There's about a half hour until a new one shows up."

"You know our timetable and theirs?" Percival chuckled. "Maybe you should be the one giving orders."

Gwen picked up Percival's empty plate. "Did Detective Pendragon order the detail?" she asked as she walked back to the kitchen.

"Actually it was Gaius," he said.

"Do you guys know who's doing the watching?"

"No, but we know Morgause Essetir is involved."

The plate fumbled out of Gwen's hands and into the sink. She winced at the loud clatter, but luckily it didn't break. "Morgause?" She gulped. "Oh boy. I'm in real trouble."

* * *

**A/N:** A long while ago **larasmith **mentioned Gwen invading Arthur's dreams. And of course he would have noir styled dreams. I also wanted to get the break up over with so sorry if it seemed kind of abrupt.

We'll be reaching the climax soon!

**Thanks always** for reading and reviewing!


	12. Snapped

**Snapped**

Gwen hated being watched. When Helios went away for long periods of time, he had his lackeys keep tabs on her. And now knowing that the men who had been watching her were Morgause's, Gwen snapped.

She marched across the street to the car and knocked hard on the window. The man rolled it down, nervous. "Listen here," Gwen sternly said. "Tell Morgause that I'm sick of this, and that if she wants to talk, she better show that witch face of hers and not send some messenger boy. I'm ready when she is." The man looked at her with shock. "Go!"

He started the car and sped off. Leon got out of his car and ran up to her. "What did you do? What happened?"

Gwen let out a nervous laugh. "What needed to be done?"

That didn't stop London's finest from keeping an eye on her. If anything, it made them more blatant about their task. "Ducking into a lingerie store is the last place that will deter me from tailing you," Gwaine grinned.

"Oh, I know." Gwen faced him and gestured for the retail associate to come over. "Hello, my friend needs help."

The associate beamed at Gwaine. "How may I help you, sir? What does your lucky lady prefer?"

Gwen pointed at Gwaine. "The lucky _lady_ may want to start off with boy shorts, maybe in a green or apple red. Unless she'd prefer to dive into a thong straight away?"

Gwaine sputtered, and Gwen made her way to the exit. "Where are you going?"

"To pee," she said bluntly. "I'll be right back."

Being at the mall early in the day and in the middle of the week made for a very empty restroom, except for the one woman sitting on the plush faux leather couch.

"Morgause."

Morgause patted the spot next to her. "Have a seat, Guinevere. We have some catching up to do."

Gwen crossed her arms. "I'd rather stand."

"Oh, don't be silly. I won't bite."

"No, but you might stab me."

"Still stubborn." Morgause folded her hands in her lap. "I promise I won't."

Gwen warily took the seat. "So, how does it feel to be a prison wife?"

Morgause chuckled. "If I'm honest, it's liberating to not have Cenred breathe down my neck. The phone calls are a nightmare though. How does it feel to be a widow…and a murder?"

Gwen observed her. "_Liberating,"_ she threw Morgause's term back at her.

"Didn't think you had it in you." Morgause scooted closer to Gwen and put an arm around her shoulder. "But you made very important people very angry."

"Like you?" Gwen asked mockingly. She swallowed as she found her neck in the tight bend of Morgause's arm. If someone came in it would look like a friendly side hug and not a snake's grip.

With her other hand, Morgause pinched Gwen's cheek. "You're so cute with this new backbone you've grown."

Gwen rubbed the sore flesh. "Do you always play with your food before you go in for the kill?"

Morgause's smile was toothy and sinister. "Only when I want them to suffer." She let Gwen go and got up. "I'll send Sefa your love. She'll be coming back with me to Amsterdam. There's a growing market for the meek, virginal looking ones. I had a good laugh when she told me what you did."

Gwen leaned back when Morgause leaned down to her. The woman gripped her cheeks with her claw-like hand. "You're so adorably stupid," she said in a baby talk tone like a very horrible mother. "I'll be seeing you later."

When Gwen got back to the store she left Gwaine in, she found the officer and the associate having a lively chat. He said goodbye to her and left with Gwen.

"I should thank you for that," Gwaine said. "Got her number."

"Great…" Gwen rubbed her cheeks, preoccupied.

He frowned at her lack of response. "You were supposed to shake your head, yet admire my skill at worming my way into women's hearts no matter the situation."

"I'm going home," Gwen said. "When you see Arthur can you tell him he doesn't have to keep an eye out for Sefa."

"What happened? Is she…?"

"No. I know where she is." But now she wished she didn't. She felt guilty for thinking so, but she'd rather Sefa had turned up dead instead of in Morgause's clutches.

* * *

Gwen hadn't moved from the bed since she got home, and Tiny was curled up next to her to give her comfort. The only way she knew time had passed was because of the darkening sky. Her phone rang and Tiny made a displeased _woof_. Gwen blindly felt for it on the nightstand. "What?" she grumbled.

"I think you should be eating your own words about proper phone greetings," Arthur snickered.

She huffed.

"Gwaine said you know where Sefa is. I'd ask you more about it, but right now you need to turn to the news."

"Why?"

"Just do it."

Gwen dragged her feet to the living room and turned on the television. Uther Pendragon was standing in front of a podium giving a report.

"…_shut down several major sex and drug trafficking rings…"_

"He did it…" Gwen said quietly in disbelief.

"Thanks to you." The proud tone in Arthur's voice brought a smile to her lips.

Then power went out.

She swore.

"What's wrong?" Arthur asked.

Before she could tell him, there was a knock on the door. "Hold on, detective," Gwen said growing frustrated, her mood quickly going sour. It was probably a neighbor or the officer on watch.

She opened the door and was attacked by a flash of blonde. She fell to the floor and the phone flew from her hand. The moonlight coming through the windows showed her it was Morgause who was currently trying to choke her to death. Gwen tried to push her off but had no success.

Tiny's loud bark got Morgause's attention. When she lifted her head, the large German shepherd pounced on her, pushing her off Gwen. Freed, Gwen got up and ran to the kitchen to a knife. Tiny was mauling Morgause when she returned to the living room.

A man came through the doorway, and he paused at the sight of Tiny attacking his boss. Realizing he was with Morgause and taking advantage of the distraction, Gwen slashed him with the knife and ran out passed him. Another one was coming at her up the stairs, so she pushed him and he tumbled down. She saw the shadow of another person outside and ducked into the studio.

Instinct told her to hide in the back room, but then she saw her reflection in the mirrors. She pressed one of the panels to release it from the magnetic latch, slipped in, and pulled it back with enough force to get her hand back in and the door could latch back to the magnet. She briefly thought to get Percival to install handles on the inside for future hiding needs.

There were gunshots and thuds. Gwen held the knife close to her and prayed Tiny was okay.

* * *

Arthur heard Gwen's scream and the thud of the phone hitting the floor. "Gwen? Guinevere!" There was Tiny's barking, more screams, and a man swearing. He ran out of his office and alerted everyone. The force headed to Gwen's with Arthur leading the way.

Arthur and Merlin jumped out of their car, and the other officers exited their cruisers seconds behind them. Merlin went to check the officer on duty to watch Gwen. The window was shattered and the officer was slumped over, dead from a bullet to the head.

They found one suspect clutching his side, trying to get away. Another was dead from a broken neck at the foot of the stairs. They entered the flat with their flashlights and guns raised and ready. Tiny growled, teeth bared, blood on his muzzle.

Arthur lowered his gun and moved forward. "Easy there, boy."

Tiny made a whimper and sat.

"Arthur," Leon said, getting his attention. He pointed his flashlight on the body on the floor. Only half the woman's face was recognizable. "I think that's Morgause Essetir. She's still breathing."

"Get the EMTs up here." Arthur led Tiny downstairs by the collar. He met with Merlin at the bottom.

"There's no sign of Gwen," Merlin said sounding worried.

Tiny barked. The dog forced himself out of Arthur's hold and pawed at the studio door. They opened it and Tiny ran in. They followed as he sniffed around and barked again at the mirror panel. The door opened and they quickly pointed their guns.

Gwen appeared, knife wielded tightly in her hand. Realizing it was just them, she lowered. They lowered their weapons as well. "There's a joke here somewhere about bringing a knife to a gunfight."

Arthur sighed. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah." Gwen let out a shaky laugh. "Where's Percival so I can thank him for his lifesaving storage idea."

* * *

The next two days were spent interrogating the surviving member of Gwen's attackers as Morgause was put into a medically induced coma. Like the men hired to watch Gwen, he was just a low-life for hire.

Arthur closed the folder and stretched. He had an hour before he had to meet his father for dinner, so he had enough time to run home and freshen up. When he opened his office door, Gaius was on the other side looking grievous.

"I'm sorry, Arthur. Your father's been found dead."

* * *

**A/N: **I feel like I may have over sold the Morgause drama. I thought there'd be more buuuuuuut I'm getting real anxious to start the sequel ahahaha. Technically I could've change some things but then the sequel wouldn't start the exact way I want it to. There's like 3-4 chapters left with another heart to heart and thrillerish bit on the way.

**Thanks always** for reading and reviewing!


	13. Dwellers

**Dwellers**

No matter how much Arthur pleaded, Gaius wouldn't let him investigate Uther's death. He was too close to it, the superintendent said. Gaius knew his emotions would cloud his judgment and actions, and Arthur wished he could prove him wrong. But he knew it would get the better of him no matter how hard he tried.

And being on bereavement leave wasn't making things any better with nothing to occupy his mind while the covers of newspapers were headlined with "Who Shot Uther Pendragon?" In his home office, he reclined on the futon while Merlin spun in the desk chair.

"Why don't you and Mithian go out and do something to get your mind off everything," Merlin suggested, wiggling his eyebrows.

Arthur tore a sheet off his legal pad and threw it at the wastebasket, making it in with the other identical yellow balls. "We broke up."

Merlin had been in mid rotation when Arthur answered. He stopped abruptly when he faced his partner. _"_What?_ When?!"_

"The day you mucked up your proposal to Freya."

"Before or after I came over and went on and on about how big of an idiot I am?"

Despite Arthur's initial annoyance when Merlin didn't want to leave him alone, he enjoyed it when he overreacted in his distress. "Before."

"Why didn't you say anything?" Merlin's arms flailed out toward him. "That's, that's," his hands waved looking for the right word, "important!"

"Is it?" Arthur's lip quirked up in the slightest of smiles. "I didn't want to interrupt your breakthrough."

Merlin made a grumbling noise. "Guess Freya lost the bet."

The tearing noise of the next sheet of paper stopped halfway through. Arthur narrowed his eyes at Merlin. "You bet how long our relationship would last?"

"_Freya_ made the bet with Morgana. _Freya_. Not me. _Freya_," Merlin stressed.

"Are you sure it was Freya?" Arthur lightheartedly asked.

They shared a laugh. When their chuckles died down Merlin looked at Arthur with confidence. "We'll find who did this."

"Relay me all the information you uncover," Arthur said.

"Um…" Merlin's confident appearance faltered. "By we, I meant metaphorically. Because…you see…"

Arthur shook his head knowing what Merlin meant. "Gaius took you off the case, too."

Merlin hung his head. "Yeah."

Arthur let out a tight laugh. "If I go mad, I may need to take it out on you."

Merlin gave him a sympathetic smile. "You're my mate, so I'll allow it. But just this once!" He pointed up his index finger for emphasis, and got a crumpled yellow paper ball to the forehead in return.

* * *

Blinking away his tears, Arthur looked up at the sky. _Of course it would be overcast during q funeral,_ he thought. He silently exhaled and leveled his gaze back to the service as the last person laid a flower on the casket.

After countless handshakes and sorry-for-your-losses, people began to disperse. Arthur looked around, and he caught a glimpse of Gwen standing next to a tree from a spectator's distance away. Another friend of the family blocked his view to give Arthur their condolences. When the apologizing straggler was out of the way, Gwen was gone.

Morgana came next to him and looped her arm with his. "Ready to head back to mine? We probably have an hour before everyone else arrives. Gaius and Alice will be much sooner, though, so we get first dibs on Alice's cake."

Arthur glanced back at the spot where he saw Gwen. Knowing she wasn't going to reappear, he patted his sister's hand. "Let's go."

No matter the occasion, Morgana was a great entertainer. Arthur just sat on the couch while she made everyone feel comfortable when they were supposed to be doing that for her. At the end of the night, she tried to get him to stay when he was on his way out. Arthur insisted he was fine, just tired. He hadn't eaten all day (not even Alice's cake), or had a sip to drink. He was running on fumes. He assured her that he would call when he got home. Then they shared their first real hug since they were children.

* * *

Arthur paused when he entered his home, and he smiled at the familiar sound of clinking. "What are you doing?" he called out.

Gwen's voice came from the kitchen, "Making tea!"

He removed his jacket and tie and sat down heavily on the couch. "How did you know I was on my way back?"

"Woman's intuition," she said coming into the room, and handed him the mug before sitting next to him.

Arthur stared at the clear yellow liquid, and the sweet honey and floral scent filled his nostrils. "What's this?" he eyed Gwen, a little wary but nostalgic of the first time she made him tea.

She rolled her eyes, but smiled. "Chamomile."

Arthur lifted the mug to his lips.

"With a little something extra," Gwen added.

He paused.

She smirked.

Arthur snorted a laugh into the mug and then took a long sip. They sat in comfortable silence for a while as Arthur drank. It wasn't too hot, so his dehydrated body thanked Gwen as he downed it. He spoke again when he finished the tea. "My father did work for the MI6."

Gwen perked up, intrigued. "Why did you keep telling me he didn't? He was a secret agent wasn't he?"

"Not quite," he said.

"More of an M than a Bond?"

"He met my mother there. My mother…she…she died giving birth to me."

The sudden turn in his story dropped the childish glee from Gwen's face. "I'm so—"

"Please, don't," Arthur stopped her. "I've heard enough apologizes today." Focusing on his empty mug on the table, he continued his story.

"Father threw himself into his work. Our butler and nanny practically raised me for the first two years. He wasn't home much. Then Morgana came to live with us when I was eight and she was nine—that's another story. When he realized that he now had two children to raise, he transferred to the MI5. His workload was barely alleviated, but he was home more." Arthur sighed deeply.

Gwen rubbed his back then stopped. "I'm sorry," she said despite of his earlier request.

Arthur looked at her, tired. "I told you not to—"

"No. I mean…" Gwen's hands curled into fists in her lap. "It's my fault. If I hadn't given you the list…"

"We don't even know if it's connected." Arthur's eyebrows knitted together. He hadn't even thought of that.

"Is it normal for someone to be shot in your father's neighborhood?" she asked and Arthur didn't answer her. "Exactly."

Arthur rubbed his forehead. "If it is a revenge killing, that doesn't make it your fault. Don't ever think that."

"Too late," Gwen said, mournful.

"Then don't dwell on it." With another long exhale, Arthur felt his body lean to the side. "What else did you put in that tea?" He was suddenly horizontal, his head on a warm pillow. _I don't have black pillows. Lace pillows…_ It was Gwen's dress. His head was resting on her lap, and he couldn't move. No. He didn't want to move.

"Lavender _aaaaand_ sleeping pills."

"_Ha." _Arthur felt Gwen's fingers rake through his hair. "Why are you here, Guinevere?"

"I just wanted to check make sure you were okay. I mean I know you're not okay, your father just…I mean…I'm rambling."

"Don't stop," Arthur found himself begging her. Her voice seemed so far away, and he wished it was closer.

"Don't stop rambling? That's a first," she giggled.

Like a lullaby, it was the last thing Arthur heard before sleep consumed him.

* * *

Gwen's fingers stopped when she felt Arthur's breathing steady. She had been joking about the sleeping pills. From the looks of him at the funeral, she knew he would be very tired, but he would fight sleep and be consumed by Uther's death. That's one thing they had in common. They were dwellers.

Arthur's phone rang in his jacket pocket, and he made no attempt to get up. She reached to the end of the couch, and her fingertips just grabbed it. She took the phone out and saw that Morgana was calling. "Hello," she answered. "It's Gwen by the way," she added before his sister questioned.

"Oh, hello. Where's Arthur? He was supposed to call me when he got home."

"He's…" Gwen bent over to look at his face, "asleep."

She could feel Morgana's suspicion. "And you were…?"

"I just came over to give my condolence. I made him some tea, and he passed right out. I'm sorry, Morgana."

"Thank you," Morgna said, genuine in tone. "And thank you for being there for him."

"Anytime." Gwen meant it even though Arthur's dead weight was rendering her lower half immobile.

"Oh! Arthur and Mithian broke up earlier than you or Freya guessed, so I win. I meant to tease him about it."

Gwen looked down at the detective in her lap. She almost told Morgana that he didn't say anything about that, but why would he share his personal life with her? "When you're up to it, we should go shopping. Do you accept payment in Jimmy Choo or Louboutin?"

"I have been having a craving for a new pair of Jimmy Choos," Morgana laughed. "Thank you again, Gwen. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Morgana."

It was growing late, and Gwen finally slipped out from under Arthur's head. She blanketed his jacket over him, and brought the mug back to the kitchen to wash. Finished, put on her coat and went to the door. She watched him for a moment, taking in the image of the detective looking peaceful.

Stepping out, Gwen closed the door gently behind her even though the hardest slam wouldn't rouse Arthur. She stuck her hands in her pockets and walked down the street. It was empty, quiet. The only sound was the click clack of her heels on the sidewalk. The farther she got, she could hear chatter ahead from the corner pub. Hopefully she wouldn't have to stand in the taxi queue for long among the delightfully inebriated.

A car turned the corner and she was blinded by the headlights. A sharp pain ripped through her skull, the stinging white turned black, and she felt herself fall.

* * *

**A/N: **Oooh cliffhanger. I think someone requested a kidnapping once upon a time ago.

I reread the last chapter and that really did go by quick. I'm not very good at being elaborate, but I think this one reads a bit longer than the last? Idk you be the judge.

**larasmith: **I think all your questions will be answered in the next chapter—The penultimate chapter!

**Thanks always **for reading and reviewing and especially for sticking around!


	14. Revenge

**Revenge**

Arthur woke with a face full of couch cushion. When he sat up, his jacket-turned-blanket fell off him, and his hand automatically went to his forehead. Gwen had left without a note.

He picked his phone up off the coffee table and saw no missed calls. Remembering he was supposed to call Morgana, Arthur pulled up her contact and saw she had phoned last night. The call had lasted five minutes, but it wasn't with him. He called her back.

"You were supposed to call last night," his sister scolded.

"I was," Arthur started, "but…"

"You were preoccupied, I know. Gwen told me. Speaking of, have you heard from her? I called her to plan our shopping trip, but she hasn't been picking up."

"Shopping trip? Didn't you just have one?" Arthur wasn't sure why he was asking when he didn't care.

"Well this time she owes me a pair of Jimmy Choos."

And he wished his upbringing didn't allow him to know what those were. "Why?"

"She lost a bet."

Now _that _he found interesting. "She bet on my relationship too?"

Morgana chuckled. "_Everyone _bet on your relationship. Could you give her a ring for me?"

"Sure."

When Arthur called Gwen, it went straight to voicemail. He texted Morgana to tell her there was no answer. It was early and she was probably sleeping in or out walking Tiny. Or her phone was dead. Or she was dead. Arthur stilled at that last thought. It was in his detective nature list all the possibilities, but with all the trouble Gwen gets in, the probability was high. Too high.

Arthur began to worry.

* * *

Gwen woke to stuffy blackness. Her head was under a sack, a wad of cloth was stuffed in her mouth, and her hands were tied behind her in the chair and her ankles together. She felt light vibrations. It was her phone in her coat pocket. She felt it again a little later. The third time it was one long vibration. It was shutting down from a dead battery.

She heard footsteps that stopped in front of her, and the sack was pulled roughly off her head. She blinked and looked up at her captor. Her eyes widened.

"Hello, Guinevere," he said with a grin. She cried out against the rag in her mouth. "It's been a while." He looked over his shoulder and nodded to the mousy man behind the table of electronic equipment.

The man picked up a phone, dialed, and put it on speaker.

"Gaius," the superintendent answered.

"Ga—is!" Gwen was muffled by the cloth.

"Ah, Superintendent Richard Gaius. May I call you Richard?" Her captor didn't give Gaius time to answer. "Is DCI Pendragon in?"

"Who is this?"

Gwen could practically see her Gaius' bushy white eyebrows knit together. "You'll find out." Her captor said cryptically. "Bring in Pendragon. I'll call back in a half hour." He signaled the mousy man to hang up and turned back to Gwen. "This is where things get interesting."

* * *

When Arthur got Gaius' call, he sped to the station and arrived with a stressful ten minutes to spare. It seemed like the entire force was standing around Gaius' office. "Has anything else happened?" he asked urgently.

Gaius frowned at the phone. "Not yet."

At the end of the last nerve-racking minute, the phone rang.

"This is DCI Arthur Pendragon," Arthur answered with authority. "Who is this?"

"Check your email," the voice on the other end said.

Arthur logged into Gaius' computer. In the background, Gaius whispered to Elena and George to trace whatever they can.

The most recent email was sent one minute ago from a randomly generated address. The subject simply read OPEN ME. Arthur opened it and the message only consisted of link that flashed CLICK HERE. The cursor hovered over it. "Is this some kind of prank?" He glanced at Elena and George; they had identical looks of frustration as their fingers raced over their keyboards.

The caller's voice came through the speaker again. "Click on the link, and you'll see who I am."

Arthur clicked it and was brought to a website with just a black background and video player in the middle. He clicked play. It buffered for the longest ten seconds of his life.

A man's face appeared. He was looking above the camera. "It's connected? Good." He said to someone and then looked straight at the camera. "Can you see me, detective?"

"I can," Arthur said steadily while he observed the man. From his appearance, he looked like an average guy with brown hair, traces of grey in his facial hair. But his eyes held a sinister twinkle.

"Let me introduce myself," the man said, showing too much teeth. "My name is Tauren, and I killed your father."

Arthur gripped the table, watching as Tauren tipped his head back and laughed. "I wish I could see your face right now." Tauren looked over the camera at whoever was on the other side. "In hindsight, maybe Skype would've been a better idea."

"What do you want?" Arthur gritted his teeth.

"Your father's not the only one who ruined my business. I'm just out getting a little revenge. You've made a new friend, I believe." Tauren moved out of the way to reveal Gwen bound and gagged to a chair.

It was Merlin's quick hand on Arthur's shoulder that stopped him from lunging into the screen. Arthur kept his focus on Gwen until Tauren reappeared behind her.

Tauren pulled out a knife and slid it up Gwen's arm and across her neck. "Have you ever watched a snuff film? How about a live one? Live shows go for so much money." He pointed the knife at the camera, at Arthur. "I'm going to take my time, just for you. I rushed with your father." Tauren brought his head close to Gwen's, nuzzling her. "Ladies like it slow don't they." She tried to recoil but was held firmly in place. His eyes flickered back to the camera. "You might as well give up tracing this feed. Any last words you want to say to Gwen, detective?"

Arthur could see Gwen shaking. "Hold on, Guinevere. I'm coming for you," he said with confidence. The line went dead.

Tauren snickered. "Don't make promises you can't keep." His voice was distant now, coming from only the computer's speakers.

Elena came up to Arthur. "He can't hear us; it's only one way now." She looked at him sadly. "We tried everything, but we can't trace it. I'm sorry."

"What do we do now?" Merlin asked.

_Trace_, it clicked in Arthur's head. "Trace Guinevere's phone! I put a tracker in it some time ago." He had noticed she was wearing her coat from the night before. She had no bag with her, so he assumed her phone was in her pocket. And if they were lucky, Tauren hadn't checked for it.

"Got it," Elena said and ran back to her computer.

Arthur stared back at the monitor to see Tauren circling Gwen like a predator. Tauren didn't know that he always kept his promises.

* * *

Gwen coughed violently when Tauren pulled the gag out her mouth. "You were never one to do anything without a bit of flare, Taruen," she grunted. "You can't just kill me like a normal person?"

"You're no stranger to flare. Everyone was making bets as to where Helios ran off to, but I know Helios isn't one to pull a runner. Tell me how you killed him." Tauren gestured to the camera. "Tell them all how you killed him."

Gwen looked at the camera, then behind it at the mousey man. She remembered him. He followed Tauren around handling transactions, networking, and such. She didn't know his real name, but everyone called him Renfield. Tauren was his Dracula.

"Hey! Renfield, right? It'd be nice to know your real name before I die." Renfield's eyes flicked away from her. Gwen pushed on. "Did Tauren kidnap you too? Is that how you met? I've always wondered. Were you a lawyer or did you work in IT beforehand? Because Tauren can't work a computer to save his li—"

_CRACK!_

Gwen's head whipped to the side, and her cheek stung where Tauren's palm made contact. She tasted blood where she bit her lip.

Tauren held the hand that struck her. "Helios would've cut my hand off for that. Remember Leering Lester?" Gwen glared instead of answering. "He would always watch you until one day Helios gauged out one of his eyes. I think he looks better with the eye patch. Adds character." Tauren sighed nostalgically. "Helios was very protective of you, and what did he get?"

"He was a real romantic," Gwen replied with a roll of her eyes to emphasize her sarcasm. She raised brow when Tauren stared at her expectantly. "You really want me to answer that?" Her captor nodded, gesturing to the camera with his knife once more. "I wasn't there when he died, so I don't know what to tell you."

Tauren's shoulders slumped. "Bullshit."

"I came home and he was dead. End of story." It was Gwen's turn to smirk though. "I can say that I wish I killed Morgause with my bare hands, but my dog got to her first. Cenred is still alive, but good thing he's behind bars. Imagine what he'd do to you if he found out you were fucking his wife."

"Morgause isn't dead."

"Not yet. I don't know why you care, though. It's not like you either of you will be able to conduct business after all of this." Gwen noticed a twitch in Tauren's eye. "I've taken out all your big players. How does that make you feel?"

Tauren pointed his knife back at her and began to move in. "How about I show you?"

* * *

The squad cars pulled up to the now closed Crystal Club. It was where the tracker in Gwen's phone led them. They forwent sirens so Tauren and anyone helping him wouldn't be alerted. Like the raid, they'd cover the front and the secret back entrance. Without hesitation, the officers sprung into action, not giving anyone inside a chance to act first.

All the way to the abandoned club, Gaius relayed the stream to Arthur and Merlin. He told them that other than striking Gwen once, Tauren was taunting her. Knowing that he physically touched her made Arthur's blood boil.

At the station he had come up with a plan to save Gwen on the fly. There was no time to waste.

"_You go through the front, I'll take the back," he said, holstering his gun._

"_Alone?" Merlin frowned._

"_Tauren is arrogant. He picked the club because he thinks we won't check the same place twice. He won't expect it." Merlin and the others looked doubtful. "Any noise coming from the front will cause a long enough distraction, and if he has guards that's where they'll be." They all nodded in confirmation. "Okay, let's move."_

_Merlin reached out, grabbing his arm to stop him. "Arthur, wait." He pulled him to the side. "You're not thinking clearly." He didn't ease up when Arthur scowled at him. "You forgot there's someone else down there with Gwen and Tauren. You can't go back there alone. I'm coming with you."_

_Arthur hated when Merlin was right. He was blinded with rage since Tauren's confession. "Fine."_

* * *

Tauren made quick jabs at her, stopping short of her jugular each time. Gwen barely flinched. If anything, she looked annoyed after the third jab. Tauren looked back at Renfield. "It's not fun when they don't react." He turned back to her. "You must really be ready to die?" He leaned his face in closer to hers, studying her. "Yes, that's it. I'm going to draw this out."

There was commotion coming from up the stairs. Gwen glanced up at the ceiling. "Were you expecting guests?"

Tauren swore, untied Gwen, but kept her hands bound behind her. Gwen stumbled as she was dragged. She made it difficult on purpose to slow him down. She had only one heel on which helped exaggerate her stumble. To add to it, Gwen stomped her lone heel clad foot down on Tauren's foot.

The pain shooting up his leg made Tauren loose his grip on Gwen, but he quickly seized her when she tried to move away.

There was a thud next to the video set up. "Please don't hurt me," Renfield cried from the floor. "He made me do it!"

Gwen saw the familiar mop of black hair just above the table. "What the hell?" she heard Tauren mutter.

Merlin's head popped up from behind the table when he finished cuffing Renfield. "Oh, hi."

_Click_

Gwen and Tauren turned their heads at the same time to see Arthur blocking the exit, gun pointed at them. Gwen knew she wasn't the target, but she was being used as a human shield. She was pulled back with Tauren as he stepped back to gain distance.

Arthur took a gentle step forward. "I don't know where you think you're going. You're surrounded."

"I planned to meet you face to face, Detective Pendragon, but not like this," said Tauren. "Surely you're not going to shoot though her to get to me."

Gwen watched nervously as Arthur lowered his weapon. That's when Tauren brought his knife to her neck. She held her breathe.

On instinct, Arthur swiftly raised his gun again.

"We should play a game," Tauren smiled. "The higher you point your gun, the deeper the knife goes into Gwen's pretty throat."

Gwen was afraid to exhale with the blade's edge pressed against her. Her eyes began to water from taking short, tight breaths.

"The same goes for your partner," Tauren tilted his head towards Merlin who had his gun pointed also.

"Lower your gun," Arthur said to Merlin as he put down his own.

Merlin hesitantly did as he was told. Skillfully, Renfiled dislocated his thumb and slipped a boney hand out of the cuffs. He grabbed Merlin's gun and pointed it at him. "Just say the word, boss," he said with an excited twitch.

Tauren was grinning from ear to ear now. "First your father, then your partner, and it's all her fault," he jostled Gwen and smiled down at her. She clenched her eyes shut. "You've created a one bloody domino effect." The way Tauren peeked from around Gwen's head to sneer at Arthur made him look like a snake. "What do you think your father would say knowing that you're fraternizing with the woman responsible for his death? He's probably rolling around in his—"

_BANG!_

* * *

As Tauren fell back, the knife grazed Gwen's neck. She made a move to touch the wound, but her hands were still bound. The instant reaction to move her bound hands made her loose her balance, and she fell hard on her knees. There was a second thud behind her, followed by a scuffle at her side. All the commotion around her sounded muted from the gunshot. She was in a daze.

A figure knelt next to her. She felt a tug at her hands and then they were free. Someone was saying her name, her full name. Only Arthur called her Guinevere, she realized. One of his hands supported her neck gently while the other ghosted over the cut. It stung, she vaguely thought. Arthur was asking if she was okay. She didn't answer, couldn't answer, and just looked to her side where the scuffle was occurring.

Merlin was subduing a sobbing Renfield again. "No, no, no, no_, noooo_," he cried.

Confused, Gwen looked at where Tauren fell. A pool of blood was enlarging under his head. It was caused by a bullet right between the eyes. She glanced back at Renfield. He was rambling now, trying to convince Merlin he had no intention of killing him. Him being Merlin, not Tauren. She finally looked at Arthur with clarity for the first time since the shot was fired.

"Nice shot," she said to him, amazed and exhausted.

"I never miss." Arthur's tone was serious, but he gave her a small, personal smile. He let go of her, much to Gwen's dismay, to take a walky-talky out of his pocket. "All clear," he said into it. Back to business.

The basement door opened and Leon entered, followed by Gwaine and Percival and several other officers.

Leon glanced at Tauren's body. "There are a few injured guards, but none of ours. An ambulance is on the way," He saw Gwen's disheveled appearance and the wound on her neck. "I'll radio for another."

Percival hoisted Renfield up with one arm and led him out. Gwaine pointed back and forth between Merlin and the broken man. "You two look exactly the same weight. It must've been like two skeletons fighting each other."

"Careful. He's a squirrely one," Merlin warned, then jabbed Gwaine with his elbow.

Gwaine winced, and let out a choked laugh. "Just proved my point, mate."

In her attempt to get out as quickly as possible, Gwen lost her balance again. Arthur caught her before she toppled over.

"It might be easier if you take off your shoe," Arthur suggested lightheartedly. Being the gentlemen he was, he couldn't just let her hobble out with one shoe.

Gwen bit back a pout and kicked off her one heel. She looped her arms around one of Arthur's and leaned on him. "Get me out of here."

* * *

**A/N:** Let's just going to pretend I didn't leave you guys with a 5 month long cliffhanger. I have no excuses. I'm just lazy. I hope this chapter was worth it? Sorry if the last bit went quick. I cut out a part to put in the next chapter (the final chapter!). Stay tuned! (it won't take 5 months I promise)

And as always **THANKS FOR READING AND REVIEWING!**


	15. Case Closed

**Case Closed**

_Gwen was sitting in the ambulance while Tauren's crew was being ushered into the police cars. She watched Renfield be placed in the backseat of a car, wailing about Tauren and being manipulated. He could still be heard when the car door was closed. _

_The EMT bandaged Gwen's cut, wrapped her in a foil blanket, and gave her a paper cup of tea. She grimaced at the murky brown liquid, tossed it out, and crumbled the cup in her hand. Arthur had just narrowly avoided the steaming fluid. He gauged her for a moment before asking for a minute alone. The EMT stepped out, and Arthur hopped in and sat on the bench across from her._

"_How do you feel?" he asked._

"_Like a baked potato," Gwen frowned, tossing the cup out onto the street and slipping the blanket off._

_Arthur chuckled. "It's for shock. And I should fine you for littering."_

"_I'm not in shock," she said, insistent. "How did you know where I was?"_

"_I stuck a tracker in your phone when Morgauses' people were following you."_

"_That day in the café when that woman said you were checking my phone?"_

"_Yeah."_

_Gwen leaned back in the seat, trying to find a comfortable position. "And you didn't think to take it out after Morgause was taken in?"_

_Arthur shrugged. "It slipped my mind."_

_A smile formed on Gwen's lips. "You're not the type to forget things."_

"_You're welcome," Arthur said and got out of the ambulance. "They're going to take you to hospital, give you a once over." He noted her uncomfortable look. "I'll meet you there, and I'll bring you home when they're done."_

Gwen was finally discharged from the hospital some hours later. She had helped herself to a pair of sneakers in the lost and found and was on her way to meet Arthur outside.

But first she made a detour.

She stopped at a room with a police officer guarding the door. "Can I see her?" Gwen asked him.

The officer stared hard at Gwen until he recognized her. "You're Guinevere Leodegrance, right? I don't think it's a good idea."

"She tried to kill me and I need closure," Gwen pleaded and batted her lashes. She was tired and her eyes itched, so it wasn't hard to make them water. She was ready to let the tears fall if she was told no, and she'd be dramatic if she had to.

The officer looked both ways down the hall then moved away from the door. "You have five minutes."

"Thank you," Gwen said, and let herself into the room. She stood at the head of the bed and stared down at Morgause, unrecognizable with her face wrapped in bandages. Gwen picked up her chart and read it. "Medically induced coma. Facial reconstruction, pending." She snickered and put the chart back down.

She walked over to Morgause's side and sneered down at her. "I bet you look like one of my dog's chew toys under there," Gwen snorted. "They're wasting a perfectly good bed on you." She stepped away and wandered around the ventilator. She studied the life support machine and saw the plug in the wall. "I can literally pull the plug, but then all signs would immediately point to me." She nudged the outlet with the worn toe of the sneaker, and the plug lifted slightly. "It could be an accident. Some resident accidently bumps it and the plug just…falls out." She pushed it securely back in with her toe. "No. That's not fair them," Gwen sighed. "I'm tired and this is too much effort. Don't wake up anytime soon." She left the room and gave the unsuspecting officer a polite nod.

The receptionist let her know that Arthur was waiting for her outside. When Gwen walked out, she saw him leaning against his car parked out front.

"Nice shoes," was the first and only thing he said to her.

* * *

The drive back to Gwen's was a silent one. When they arrived, Gwen reached for the door handle but then stopped. "Could you…" She began quietly, but then paused. When she saw him staring at her, waiting for her to continue, she looked away. Taking another glance at him, she saw that he was now looking out the window. He was being patient with her and she appreciated that. She cleared her throat and tried again. "Do you have time to come up?"

Arthur was already opening his door before she finished asking. "Just don't drug me with that sleepy tea like you did the last time."

They bickered about her herbal concoction all the way up the stairs. "Are you going to take a drug test every time then?" Gwen teased and opened the door. When she wasn't greeted by her dog, panic flared. "Oh, God. Where's Ti—"

"Merlin has him," Arthur quickly said. "I forgot to tell you. I'm sorry."

Gwen immediately relaxed, and she gestured for Arthur to make himself comfortable on the couch. He offered to make tea for her but she gave him a look that made him feel silly for asking.

They didn't speak while the water boiled and kept their backs to each other. Every time Gwen looked over her shoulder, she expected to catch Arthur watching her but she never did. "I could slip something in your drink and you wouldn't even know it right now."

Arthur finally turned to look at her. She smiled and so did he.

When the tea was finished, Gwen set the steaming mugs on the coffee table and sat next to Arthur.

"Did the doctor suggest seeing a counselor?"

And there it was, the ice broken. "Yes, and I'm not doing it," Gwen firmly replied.

"No one's forcing you, but talking to someone could help."

"I talk to you."

"I'm not qualified." Arthur's tone went serious. The kind he uses when he talks to victims. "You've been through a trauma—"

"You don't need to use your detective voice on me." Gwen rested her head on his shoulder. "You don't have to say anything. I just don't want to be alone right now."

But after sitting in silence for a full minute, Gwen changed her mind and decided that she needed Arthur to talk. "You killed someone," she said.

"I did," Arthur confirmed.

"Keep it up and one day we'll be tied," Gwen teased, grinning into his shoulder.

Arthur scoffed.

"Who did you do it for? Me? Yourself? Your father?" Arthur didn't answer so Gwen continued. "Helios never killed for me. He always did it for himself to show dominance."

"Tauren was going to slit your throat right then and there."

"He could've moved his hand," Gwen played devil's advocate.

"He wasn't going to," Arthur said. "I'm sure of it."

"Are you saying that to convince yourself or…"

"No. I'm sure. If I hesitated—if I didn't act fast, you would've been dead."

Gwen sat up and her hand went to the bandage on her neck. And when she turned her body to him, what she was about to say vanished from her mind because suddenly Arthur's hand was covering hers.

"When I was a rookie, I couldn't save someone, a woman being held hostage by her psycho boyfriend. He had her by the throat. I tried talking him down instead of acting. The man was a monster, and I knew that he wouldn't listen to reason, but I kept trying. He cut slit throat like it was nothing. The other officers came in behind me and arrested him. I tried to stop the woman from bleeding out but I couldn't. She died in my arms." Arthur couldn't look at Gwen anymore and bowed his head, but his hand remained where it was. "I couldn't save her…"

Gwen leaned forward. "Hey," she whispered, getting his attention. When he lifted his head, she touched her forehead with his, offering comfort. "Thank you."

The tea remained untouched.

* * *

Arthur saw Gwen briefly the following week when she had to come to the station. Statements were given, a few more arrests were made, and the case was closed. Morgana told him of their shopping trip and she let him know that Gwen seemed fine. Nothing a little retail therapy couldn't fix, she told him.

He hadn't seen Gwen since she gave her final statement. He supposed it was for the best.

When he was done tidying up his office, Arthur opened the door then went back to his desk. He picked up the last case folder and dropped it a box full of identical manila folders. The one folder about Helios' murder had amassed into a box full of trouble. Arthur placed the lid on the box, picked it up, and looked at his clean desk. The snow globe paperweight George gave him looked useless while not on top of a pile of documents. And it would remain that way until he came back to work. Gaius' suggestion of a vacation turned into a command, and Arthur wasn't going to fight it this time.

He looked up just to see Merlin come in and lean against the doorframe. Arthur walked over to his partner. "Don't take any of the good cases without me," he said, shoving the box in Merlin's arms.

Merlin faltered at the unexpected weight of the box. "Is that an order? You're on vacation now. You can't boss me around."

Arthur turned the chair on the other side of his desk around to face Merlin, and he plop down in it. "It's not an order. Just don't have too much fun."

"I don't think you can say it without it sounding like an order," Merlin laughed, "but I promise you that I won't." He then gave Arthur a steady look.

It made Arthur uncomfortable. "What is it?"

"Are you going to be okay? You've taken a vacation…never. You're not going to go stir-crazy, are you?"

"Stir-crazy? That's a bit of an exaggeration."

"Is it? You tend to get a bit squirrely when you have nothing to do." Merlin looked him hard in the eye. "Please tell me you'll be fine."

Arthur crossed his arms. "You made a bet with Morgana, didn't you?"

Merlin adjusted the box in his arms and turned to leave. "I'm gonna put his away. See you later!" he called over his shoulder.

"_Merlin!"_

Before Arthur could chase after him, he heard his phone vibrate on his desk. Going to it, he saw Gwen's name on the screen. He smiled and picked up. "Now what?"

* * *

**A/N:** A full length arwen fic with no kissing!? I feel like I punk'd you guys and pulled a series 5. Sorry.

Each series of Luther ends with a "Now what?" so I thought I'd throw one in. I'm not actually ending this on a cliffhanger. Maybe little side adventures from this universe will appear in **Him and Her**, but things will definitely pick up again in the sequel. So don't worry! (did I worry you?)

But most importantly, **THANK YOU** to everyone that read, favorite, followed, and reviewed this story! See you all next time!


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Merlin, Crime, Friendship