Antonio sighed as he put away the documents he was overviewing for the day. The sun was about to set soon, and he had promised Bassanio to meet him at the pier for sunset. The merchant was about to leave his office at the exchange, done for the day when he crossed paths with Salarino. "Antonio, old friend, how art thou?" "Good Salarino, I am fine. Give me your hand and pray tell, what brings you here for I am on the clock." Salarino smiled at him, he was happy to see a cheerful Antonio after so long. "It's a trifle. I am here to deliver the post." Handing Antonio an envelope, he continued, "I won't keep you any longer but answer me one doubt – are you happy?"

The question startled the merchant for he had not expected the undertone 'Is Bassanio treating you right?'. But nonetheless, he appreciated the concern, "I am the happiest I have ever been." Convinced, Salarino turned to go, "Well then, I shall take my leave." Antonio checked the letter – it was sent to him and Bassanio from Portia. He could not stop the insecurities in his head from rearing their ugly heads – though Bassanio had told him everything.

-----

Bassanio knew something was wrong from the moment he saw Antonio. His lover was nervous and jittery. The sunset was breathtaking, but Antonio's mind clearly was somewhere else. Outing cut short, Bassanio hurried them home. As soon as they were in the safety of Antonio's room, Bassanio asked, "What worries you my dear?" "I am but a fool to worry over nothing, but here's a letter for you from your Lady."

Now it was Bassanio's turn to be astounded. Portia would not have written to him if it had not been grave. a frown marred his features, "It is dedicated to the both of us." Inside the envelope was a piece of paper with a single line written on it in what probably was the most graceful handwriting in the world –

I invite you to have tea at my place, Saturday afternoon.

"We must leave tonight to arrive at Belmont in time. Pack our things, my heart and I shall arrange for the ferry immediately."

The couple reached Portia's mansion by the morning, received by the Lady herself. Letting them rest a while, she sent Nerissa to call them for lunch. It was a private affair, only the three of them in the garden, enjoying the beauty of nature. Without delay, Portia arrived straight at the point, "Lord Antonio, I presume you know of the marital contract between my husband and I." "Yes, my lady, I am well aware of it." "I am sorry to both of you for playing thus with your emotions, but had you been in my shoes, would you be able to understand the circumstances that drove me to something so desperate." The men were quiet, urging Portia to speak further. She took a deep breath.

"You see, my father was a good man and from a tender age, did he monitor my education – ensuring I learnt all the arts well. Like the days of the past, I had a companion - I would rather call my therapon – Guinevere. She is half of my soul – the yin to my yang." Antonio and Bassanio listened un rapt attention, sympathizing as Portia took out a handkerchief to dry the hints of moisture collected in her eyes. "I had seen fourteen summers when I realized that only Gwen incites the feelings in me – no other being ever can. We were happy together, pending our days in arts and mirth when suddenly hell broke loose."

"An old lord from Naples visited us for business reasons and started fancying Gwen. Taking advantage of my father, he tricked him into a wager that ultimately caused him to offer Gwen as a slave to the old bastard." Portia grasped the armrest of her chair so tight that the wood creaked slightly under the pressure. Antonio spoke up, "My Lady, tell me the name of this lord and I shall use all of my means to bring back your love." "Thank you, Lord Antonio for your concerns but the said man has passed on to the land of the dead and as I have heard his kinder daughter has taken over his inheritance. I have already sent an escort to pay for her freedom. They are supposed to arrive shortly." As if on cue, Nerissa barged in. "She's back", she whispered. Before Portia could gather her bearings, she found herself being twirled around by the strong arms. Oh, how she had missed his embrace! "Put me down, Gwen, put me down. We have guests."

The mention of company was enough for Guinevere to land Portia on her feet. Bassanio took in her appearance – her cream gown complimented her curves beautifully, she had a prominent tan and a sturdy body that had evidently seen days of toil in the fields, she was as rare a beauty as Portia with her doe eyes, uplifted features and flamboyant curls. "And who might these gentlemen be, 'tia?" "My husband Bassanio and his friend, Antonio." The smile on Gwen's face morphed into a scowl, "You married!" "I just did it to bring you back." "What do you mean by that, Portia? I have waited five winters only for you to bed a man!" "No, dear, I would never..."

Guinevere had had enough. She was about to leave when the husband of Portia blocked her path, "Let me explain, sweet lady." "What is left to explain?" "Please, lend me a moment of your time. It is only a marriage of convenience." "What do you mean? Are you cheating on my Portia?" "How can I cheat on her when she is yours? She was never mine to begin with, nor was I hers. How could I lay with her knowing that my heart already resides in another?" Bassanio entwined his fingers with Antonio's. "Let me introduce you to my lover, Antonio." The merchant placed a greeting kiss on her hand before dragging Bassanio away, whispering shrewdly about the ladies needing time together.

Gwen turned to Portia who was leaning against the willow quietly. It was dusk, the sunset painted exquisitely as the day of their first kiss as if Apollo too was shipping them together." "I am sorry", Gwen mumbled, slipping into an embrace. "Don't be." Portia sniffled. "Can we start anew? I am Guinevere and I love the most beautiful lady in the world." "I'm Portia and I belong to the one in front of me – heart, body and soul." Venus smiled in the distance, wiping off her tears as the star-crossed lovers sealed their vows with a kiss – the string of their union burning bright.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I loved how this turned out. I love this ending better than the original one, no offense, Mr. Shakespeare.

Maybe I imagined Gwen from Merlin here. I adore her, so don't come after me.

And I may or may not have a plan to include a sex scene, the one from "Two Hearts in a Home..."

Comment if you want me to!

Enjoy!