Guarded heart

The ocean breeze was something she did not experience often.

The moon was at its brightest, and the sound of the waves helped calm her nerves.

Artoria's eyes wandered back to the woman before her, skin and hair as white as snow, yet her eyes were a bright shade of red she has never seen before.

She laughed as her bare feet danced in the water.

Artoria found her laugh contagious.

"I am glad you are enjoying yourself."

The woman turned to her, smiling.

"Are you going to just stand there? Why don't you take off your shoes?" She asked, already taking her arm and dragging her towards the water.

"But…" Her protests died as soon as they came out.

She was right though. The feeling of her feet touching the cold sand and occasionally the water, was nice.

This was nice.

She… was nice.

"Artoria, do you like the sea?" She asked her, and Artoria found herself struggling to find an answer.

"I am not sure. I never thought about it."

"Then how about this very moment?"

Artoria smiled.

"I suppose it is refreshing. I wouldn't mind doing this more often."

The woman giggled.

"I am glad." She paused. "It was nice being escorted by a gentleman."

Artoria's smile widened.

"Did I make a good escort?"

Those red eyes met her own, almost sparkling from happiness.

"Yes! You were wonderful!"

In that moment, Artoria thought that woman was more beautiful than the night itself.

-Guarded Heart-

Artoria slowly opened her eyes, wincing as her eyes adjusted to the light.

She felt a soreness in her neck and back, and when she looked around, she realized that she slept on the sofa again.

Her papers were scattered all over the ground, they must have fallen during her sleep.

She slowly sat up, careful not to anger her already suffering muscles. She looked down at her clothes, and sighed in relief.

At least she didn’t sleep in her suit this time.

She turned off the alarm in her phone, and proceeded to organize the papers.

She went on with her usual routine, from preparing which papers to take to her office, and showering, to picking today’s suit.

Although, all suits looked the same to her.

She picked a blue one, and was about to move away from the closet, until she noticed a piece of clothes that wasn’t hers.

She ran her hand through the green dress, feeling its fabric.

She closed her eyes, and turned away.

She couldn’t bring herself to get rid of it, nor call her to take it.

She let out a frustrated sigh, then started changing.

She pulled her hair into its trademark bun, and headed out.

The café was as calm and welcoming as usual. It has been her morning routine to come here, get breakfast, and relax before work.

However, that last part was proving to be difficult as she felt her ahoge continuously being pulled.

"Stop that." Artoria demanded, but the man sitting before only grinned. "Kay, stop that."

"Aw, is my baby sister mad? Is tiny little Artoria mad I'm pulling her dumb little hair?" Her brother continued to grin.

She slapped his hand away.

"Small? Have you not noticed how much I've grown?" She complained, before taking a sip of her coffee.

"Perhaps you've grown taller, but..." he slipped his cake in front of her, and didn't miss the way her eyes lit up. "You're still such a child."

Ah. Yes. A test.

She could prove to him that she would not cower in the face of food. All she had to do was decline, that would be such an easy thing-

She blinked.

The cake already disappeared. The spoon was in her hand, next to the empty plate.

She was the culprit...

Kay burst out laughing.

“You should loosen up a little, go have fun, go on some dates.” If Kay noticed her eyebrow twitching, he didn’t say anything. “I got a few friends I could set you up with, men or women, name your preference.”

“None, thank you.” She glared at her coffee.

“Hey, you’re not planning on staying like this, are you?”

“What is wrong with that? I don’t need to date someone to be happy.” Artoria answered, then glared at him. “Nor do I need to break up with someone every month like you. Maybe you should follow your own advice.”

Kay laughed.

“You got me there.” He leaned back into his chair. “You can be happy on your own, I just don’t want you to remain hung up on her.”

“I’ll be alright.” She sighed, looking out the window. “Thank you for your concern.”

“It’s my job to look after my troublesome idiot sister.” He smirked, when her gaze shot back to his.

“Who are you calling an idiot, you player?”

“Oh, that’s the best you can come up with? How adorable.”

“I refuse to stoop to your level.”

“Obviously, because you’re shorter.”

“Curses…” Artoria muttered under her breath. “I do not understand how the ladies go crazy over you. You are a jerk.”

“I do not see how they go crazy over you. I mean you have this one hair sticking out of your hair and it moves like a limb. That’s creepy.”

Artoria inhaled.

This argument went on for an hour.

Eventually, the two left for work, with Kay emerging victorious as usual.

Their drive was quiet, peaceful even. They were not related by blood, and Kay may act like an inconsiderate jerk, but the truth was that they were the most comfortable when with each other.

“This traffic sucks, we’d probably get there faster if we walked.” Kay muttered, before noticing a familiar figure breaking through the traffic at high speed on a bike. “Hey is that-”

“Mordred?!” Artoria gripped the wheel tightly, as she watched in horror as Mordred drove through the traffic like a possessed man.

“That’s your son alright.”

Artoria was going to have a heart attack. Her son was already out of sight, but she could hear the complaining and the honking of the cars loud and clear.

Kay’s phone beeped, and he checked it, only to grin.

“Mordred crashed into Lancelot.”

“Of course he did.” Artoria rested her head against the wheel, letting out a frustrated sigh.

“I don’t think he likes Lancelot if he keeps crashing into him every morning.

“No, no he doesn’t.”

It didn’t take long for them to catch up, and to find Mordred and Lancelot still arguing.

“How do you keep running into me every morning?” Lancelot argued, his suit filled with dust.

“I’m sure it was just an accident, right?” Bedivere tried to reason, but Mordred stuck his tongue out at his victim.

“No I meant to hit him! Next time I’ll get you for good you dumba-” He immediately stopped at the touch of a hand -firmly- resting on his shoulder. He almost let out a shriek at the sight of Artoria. “FA- BOSS! HELLO GOOD MORNING THIS WAS AN ACCIDENT!”

Artoria stared at him blankly, not saying a word, but her gaze was enough to make everyone uncomfortable.

“Bedivere, come with me.” She walked away, without acknowledging the other two’s whispering.

“Hey do you think father is mad at us?”

“She’s always mad at us.”

“Bedivere, Did anyone apply for the secretary position?” Artoria asked, and nodded at every greeting she received from everyone.

“Not since the last time Agravain and your sister scared them off.” Bedivere sighed, and walked into the elevator with her. “I’m sure we will find one soon. Your reputation precedes you, boss.”

“That’s only because I have great people by my side. You always had my back.” She smiled softly. She was fond of him, and he was one of her closest friends, despite always denying it. She could never get him to accept how important he is. “The paperwork never ends, I could really use one soon… one that could handle all of Morgan’s phone calls.”

Bedivere laughed awkwardly.

“If you would let us help-”

“No. You all have your respective jobs, and I cannot ask you to do someone’s work.”

She could actually, she was the CEO after all. However, it did not feel right to burden anyone, and as long as she could do the extra work, she didn’t see a problem.

It helped keep her distracted.

“The next time anyone comes for an interview, send them my way. Agravain’s intentions are well, but he is intimidating…”

“...His mood is worse around women so, I think that would be for the best.”

She walked out the elevator, and headed towards her office. 

Once she was in, her face paled at the sight of all the papers waiting for her.

She let out a long sigh, and resigned to her fate.

The paperwork wasn't bad usually. It would either be applications, complaints, contracts, complaints, files that need her signature and...complaints again.

The complaints came from one place.

"Dear Artoria, it is I, your beloved. The bodyguards you sent me are ugly, and do not deserve to stand next to my perfect form! Love, Gilgamesh.

P.S: marry me."

Artoria tore all of his complaints apart and sent them right to the trash.

If she focused hard enough, she could get this done in no time.

Unfortunately, she wasn't that lucky.

Her door burst open without warning, and she didn’t have to look up to know who it was. She groaned, and buried herself deeper into the papers. Perhaps if she pretended she wasn’t there, she would go away.

“What? Aren’t you glad to see me, my dear Artoria?” Morgan made herself comfortable on the sofa, and Artoria made a mental note to burn it later.

“What do you want?”

“What? I can’t see my own sister?”

“No.”

“You always have to be so harsh.” Morgan sighed, then leaned over the handle causing her to roll her eyes. “I’m here to invite you to a party I’m holding.”

“I already said I’m not interested.”

“You have been avoiding parties and media for the past few months, you should show your face, or rumors will grow out of your control.” Morgan said, and after a moment of silence, she smirked. “You refused to show your face since your divorce."

Artoria’s eyebrow twitched, and she loosened her tie, turning her back to her sister.

“Guinevere and I hid the reason behind our divroce, so as long as we both keep it a secret, rumors won’t matter.”

“The media won’t buy your story. A happy couple married for many years divorcing out of nowhere doesn’t make sense. You liked about divorcing on good terms, and it shows the more you hide. They will think ‘surely there is more to it if Artoria Pendragon is hiding her heartbreak’.”

Artoria sighed.

"Fine. I will come, so there is no need to discuss this further."

"Say… You don't still love her. Do you?" Morgan stood up and headed towards Artoria. Her hand slowly reached towards her. "You still love her, even after she betrayed you?"

Artoria pushed her hand away, and turned to face her with a glare.

"I am busy right now, so please save the chatting for another day. Don't you have a company to run?"

Morgan scoffed and crossed her arms. "Anyway, I brought you lunch." She pulled a small box from her bag, and Artoria's eyes lit up for a moment, before changing to suspicion.

"Why?" She asked, cautious.

"Because I love you, obviously." There was a long pause. "Why do you look like you're about to die…?" Morgan squinted, as the CEO's face turned into all shades of green.

"I think I lost my appetite…"

Suddenly, Mordred bursted through the door, full of bandaids all over his body.

“Mother! Why are you here?” His panicked eyes wandered between his parents, and then to the box. “What is that?”

“My special Octopus dish.” Artoria looked at the box in horror, as her face turned into a purple shade, sweating all over. “What happened to you?”

“I crashed into Lancelot! Fear not Father, I will surely get him next time!”

“Please don’t kill him…”

“Oh, you mean that handsome guy who stole your Father’s wife?”

“Hey.”

“Ew Mother, Lancelot isn’t handsome! I don’t get why women fall for him.”

“He is handsome though not my type, and he is a homewrecker too.”

“Truly, the worst kind of man!”

“Your father is much more handsome and my type though.”

Artoria buried her face in her palms.

Why is she still here? Just to suffer?

“Can’t I get some peace, for five minutes?” Artoria rubbed her temples, and they both looked at her.

“You’re too handsome for peace!” They both answered.

Artoria took the box from Morgan's hands, and pushed the two out of her office.

"I will see you soon my darling!"

"Don't call me that! Don't call me anything at all! Get out!"

She let out a deep sigh and walked back to her office, before throwing herself into her chair. Conversations with Morgan were always a rollercoaster of unpleasant feelings that she did not sign up for.

She looked again at the pile of papers on her desk, and considered getting another coffee.

She pulled her phone, and looked at a picture of herself and another woman. She was beautiful, her smile was radiant.

They looked happy.

“What am I doing?” She muttered, and put her phone away.

She had a lot of work to do.

-Guarded Heart-

Lancelot knocked on Artoria’s office, but received no answer. It was 11pm and everyone had gone home.

He slowly opened the door, and frowned at the sight of his boss, asleep on her desk. He approached her, contemplating what to do.

He decided to risk it and wake her up. He gently nudged her shoulder, causing her to mutter something.

“Mhm… five more minutes… Guinevere…” She muttered, and he pulled away as if struck by lightning.

Lancelot ran his hand through his hair, looking pained. He glanced at the door, then at his boss, and tried again.

Fortunately, it worked.

“Lancelot…?” Artoria pushed herself off the desk, and wiped her eyes. “What is it?” She yawned, and her head was going back and forth, as sleep tried to claim her again.

“It’s late.” He forced out, unable to meet her eyes. “Would you like me to drive you home? You look exhausted.”

“No, I’m fine.” She said quickly, and stood up, before gathering the papers.

“You’re taking more work with you?”

“I still have a few papers I need to sign.”

“Boss, you need to rest.”

“I’m fine, Lancelot.”

“Are you?”

She looked at him for a moment, as if challenging him. Her glare made him want to dig his own grave, but her eyes quickly softened.

“Yes.”

Without a word, she took everything she needed, and walked away.

She got into her car, and checked her phone for any texts. Mordred texted her that he was home, so she felt a weight off her shoulders.

Now that she had nothing to worry about, she drove home.

The drive was quiet, and it was lonely, but that was what she needed lately. She didn’t want to face anyone, and interacting with people felt like a chore, but she couldn’t abandon her work.

She needed time to heal, but she didn’t have the luxury for that.

Everyone has been warning her about burning herself out, and were constantly asking to drive her home.

Artoria was a responsible driver, and she always knew her limits, she would ask them if she needed to.

Or perhaps she wouldn’t. She always had trouble asking for help.

Her train of thoughts came to a stop when she saw someone run out of an alley and into the road.

She quickly hit the brakes, and managed to stop just in time. The woman stared in shock, before falling to the ground.

“Are you okay?” Artoria left the car and ran towards the woman. Her panic subsided at the sight of her breathing, but she couldn’t be too sure. She kneeled beside her, making note of her silky white hair.

“Yes…” The woman answered, then looked up to meet her gaze. Her red eyes were filled with fear, but she slowly relaxed, enough to form a sentence. “I’m sorry, I should have been careful.”

She tried to get up, but almost fell back if it weren’t for Artoria catching her.

"Are you hurt? Should I take you to the hospital?" She asked, and the woman looked at her in surprise, before looking away again.

“No, I’m fine.” She pushed herself up, this time managing to stand. She cleaned the dust off her clothes, and smiled politely. “I’m sorry for troubling you, good night.” She stared at her for a moment, before turning to walk away.

"Wait!" Artoria blurted out without thinking. They both looked at each other in surprise. She didn't know why, but she didn't want to let this stranger go. "Please allow me to drive you to your destination, it is the least I could do."

The woman's eyes widened, and she glanced around, as if looking for an exit. It was when her crimson eyes looked back at the alley she came for, that she reluctantly nodded.

“I was about to head home actually.” She said, tucking her hair behind her ear. “It’s a bit far so, I appreciate the offer.”

Artoria let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding, and walked towards the passenger seat, opening the door for her.

The woman looked at her in surprise, then suddenly giggled.

“I see chivalry isn’t dead.” She joked, before getting in.

Artoria followed, and took back her seat. She asked her for her adresse, before driving in silence. It was rather far, so she was curious on why she would be here at such a late hour.

"Excuse me but are you new to this town?" Artoria asked, catching the woman off guard, who smiled nervously.

"Is it that obvious?"

"A little." Artoria refrained from mentioning how lost the woman looked the entire time. "I lived here my entire life, so I can tell when someone is new."

"You're very perceptive… uh..." The woman struggled. "May I ask what your name is?"

"Artoria."

"I'm Irisviel. Thank you for the ride." Irisviel smiled, and leaned into her seat. Her eyes watched the streets with curiosity. "I just moved in, so I spent the whole day looking for a job. I got a little carried away though."

"What kind of job? If you don't mind me asking."

"Oh… anything. My daughter and I are on our own, so I would take any job to support her."

Daughter? She looked quite young though.

Then again, Artoria wasn't one to talk.

"Your daughter is very lucky to have you in her life."

Irisviel chuckled.

"Chivalry and now flattery? You have to ask me for dinner first!"

"W-what?!" Artoria's face flushed, while Irisviel laughed.

"I'm joking! Eyes on the road!"

Artoria sank into her seat, while Irisviel continued to laugh.

“I’m sorry, it’s just that it’s nice to meet someone like you in a strange city.” Irisviel sighed, but kept her smile. “I’m so nervous about everything, I don’t have the slightest idea on what to do.”

Artoria glanced at the woman beside her, then at the road again, and it was then that something crossed her mind.

“How about working as a secretary?” She asked, and when Irisviel answered her with confusion, she clarified. “The company I work for is looking for a secretary, and it pays well. It is tiring and involves memorizing a lot of things, but I’m sure you have high chances.”

“Oh! I can do that! I have a good memory!” Irisviel grinned, she then looked back at the road. “Oh! That’s my house!”

Artoria nodded and pulled over. They left the car, and she pulled her business card, and handed it to Irisviel.

“I’ll see you tomorrow? If you get hired you will start working right away, so make sure you’re ready.”

“Yes! Thank you so much!” Irisviel smiled, and held the card close to her chest. “I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me tonight.”

Artoria chuckled.

“You’re welcome.” She shrugged. “Good night.” She said, and went back into her car.

Once she drove off, Irisviel took the chance to look at the card.

“Artoria Pendragon, CEO of ‘bodyguards of the roundtable.” She muttered to herself, and then all she felt was dread.

It was at this moment that she realized… She flirted with her ‘potential’ future boss.