bakerstreet | it's 2012, baby!

[Not for the first time does Arthur wish there was something he could do to help her with her designs. Giving her money from the company would raise his father's attention and he'd never approve of funding a small designer and Arthur is fully aware that Morgana would rather pull out her own teeth right now than speak to him, much less do him a favor by wearing one of Guinevere's designs. If his half sister did that, Guinevere would have instant publicity, he was sure of it.

Even if he hadn't ever actually seen her designs and knew even less about what the world of women's fashion was like, he believed that she could do great things if given the chance.]

"Yeah? How long until it's finished?"

[She'd be gracious as anyone if he did that for her but she didn't mind living in obscurity, she was used to it. She reaches up to tuck a wisp of her hair behind her ear as she smiles.] I'd say by the end of the week, depending on how much time I'll have. [Between working two jobs, she didn't have much time to do her own designs. But once she was done, she'd wear it out somewhere.]

[She pauses, her gaze lingering on him for a moment too long as she thinks of wearing the dress with him somewhere before she coughs] How's Merlin? I haven't seen him in ages it feels like.

[Just the mention of Merlin made him roll his eyes. It's a loving gesture if you really squint at it, but that was kind of his whole relationship with his assistant. Merlin usually made a bigger mess than he ever solved but he made for a pretty decent friend. And sometimes a good target to throw things at.]

"He's currently lost in the Underground. It's possible none of us will ever see him again."

[Merlin's been a good friend to Gwen as well, he seems to be a bit of a champion in the ways of Gwen/Arthur, maybe even a shipper. Something that almost flusters Gwen if she didn't privately feel the same way.]

Somehow, I'm not surprised.

[It irritated Arthur, because he didn't need his assistant chirping around his head, trying to tell him how to live his life when the idiot could barely manage a train.]

"I'm surprised he's managed to live this long." [He pauses for a moment, sighing a little as he looks up at her.] "Could you get him a takeaway order of what I'm having? He'll never stop complaining if I don't have something for him to eat when he finally manages to find his way out."

[Gwen grins at his request, seeing that as the kindness and caring that Arthur possesses shining through.] I'd be happy to. [She gives him another smile before--] I'll go place your order and bring back your coffee.

"Thank you, Guinevere. Take your time, I'm in no rush tonight."

[She smiles again and moves to place his order, chatting with the cook for a moment before she brings out the coffee. She places his up in front of him, with the creme and sugar before she pours out the coffee into the cup.] Here you go.

[When she left, Arthur picked up his phone again, to send a response to Merlin, simultaneously reassuring him that he wasn't going to die underneath London and also calling him a moron for getting lost there in the first place.

He's shaking his head at Merlin's protests that he isn't a moron when she comes back and the phone gets abandoned again in favor of her.]

"Thanks. I hope you're at least nearing the end of your shift."

You're my last customer, actually. [She offers him a genuine smile as she his cup of coffee down on the table before him.] I was about to clock out when I saw you come in.

[He wants to read something into that, he wants to believe that she stayed for more than just because she's a nice person and she'll stay to serve anyone who shows up in the last minute of her shift. And maybe that's why he does what he does., gesturing to the empty seat across from him.]

"Sit then."

[Oh, she stayed specifically for him, she would've left had it been anyone else. She's drawn to him, obviously, she wants to spend what time she can. And each time he comes in, she feels herself become breathless.

So when he tells her to sit, she gives him a sort of bashful look.] Are you sure?

[Arthur nods, gesturing again.] "Positive. Eating alone isn't really as appealing as it seems." [And Merlin is obviously not going to be there.]

Alright. I'll go fetch your order. [And then join him. She disappears into the kitchen, emerging a few moments later with his food and a cup of coffee for herself, setting his food in front of him before sitting across from him.]

[He turned his phone on silent, ignoring whatever new messages had come in from Merlin (apparently he didn't think he was even in London anymore) and one from his father, and slid it into his pocket.

Arthur smiled his thanks at her when she put the plate down.] "So. Guinevere, tell me something about you that I don't already know."

[She looks a little surprised at that question, maybe a little flustered before she tries to hide it by taking a sip of her coffee, smiling a little after.] I suppose it depends on what you know about me. [She pauses for a moment, considering what she should say.] I have a brother, Elyan. We don't speak often, however.

[It was easier to find things out about him. All you had to do was google the Pendragons and their lives were plastered all over the pages there. He had tried one night to google her but it hadn't gotten far and he wanted to know more about this girl.]

"I'm sorry." [He got sibling drama, maybe better than most.] "You can have Morgana if you'd like." [He offered as a joke.]

[She laughs a little, though her expression is completely sympathetic.] Are you two still not getting along? I thought perhaps the media was blowing it out of proportion. [Look at that, she is paying attention.]

"I haven't spoken to her since the fight," [Arthur confessed, lowering his voice a little.] "She hasn't been disowned, that's a lie. But she's still mad."

And your father? Is he... well? [She holds the coffee mug between her hands.]

[Arthur glances down at his plate for a moment. Merlin knows better than to ask about it and he'd blow off any reporter that asked but he wants to tell Guinevere, wants to confide in her.]

"He's been better. That's why I'm taking over. The doctor says his heart can't take the stress anymore."

[Without thinking, she reaches over to touch his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.] I'm sorry, Arthur. I know you'll be a good leader. You're smart and confident and I think you were born to do this. You'll do great.

[When she touches his hand, he would swear that his heart stutters a little. He's got it bad, he can't deny that anymore. He turns his hand slightly so he can squeeze hers back.]

"Your faith means a lot."

[Her breath hitches in her lungs when she feels his hand turn and squeeze back and she doesn't pull back from him, she lets her hand linger.]

I'll always believe in you. [She says without thinking about it, her cheeks flushing the moment she says it.] I just... I think I know you fairly well even if I am just your waitress. [She moves to pull back her hand, slowly, reluctantly.]

"You're more than just a waitress." [It slips out before he can stop himself but it's true. Even if he wasn't pretty sure that he's falling for her, he wouldn't think that. She's got more potential than that.

He seems to remember himself a second later, letting her take her hand back without protest. He can't ask any more than she's already given, can't ask her out and throw her into the media circus that follows his family, not to mention the strong disapproval he knows would come from his father.]

"Anyway. You have a brother. What about your parents?"

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going to dinner so I'll be slow! <3 this already though

yessss <3 no worries i'm slow all the time so i'm sorry

psh are not! you've been speedy! i love it

pffft okay <3

<33333

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