"Alright everyone." The teacher sang cheerfully as the morning bell rang. "Take your seats and we'll get the day rolling!"

Drama class was Merlin's favorite. The atmosphere of student-made masks strung up throughout the room and colorful audition posters just made him feel warm and well... at home. Guinevere perched on the end of her seat beside him, "Hey, are you trying out for the play this semester?"

"Naturally. You?"

"I want to be Cassandra." she giggled.

Merlin frowned, "You know that part won't be easy to get! They usually give the leads to seniors."

"Hey, Sophomores have just as much right to be a lead as the seniors. It's stupid that they're prejudice over something like that!"

The teacher turned, "Guinevere? Have something to share with the class?"

Gwen hid behind her raven curls, "N-no sorry Mrs. H."

"Now, as I was saying, auditions for star filled skies will be later today in the auditorium." she smiled brightly, "However, this production's auditions will be a little different, as principal Uther will be joining us as a judge."

A few of the students groaned. Principal Uther was well known for being rather harsh.

"Also," she added, "We've got a new student joining us today, while I'm aware it's rather late, I'm sure everyone will be very accepting. Please kindly welcome Arthur to our class today, if you don't mind coming up here hon..."

A tall boy with beautiful golden hair strode up to the front of the class. He slouched slightly, seemingly uninterested with the entire thing. He looked quite frankly, like a stuck up jock. His build was rough and slightly intimidating, but at the same time, extremely attractive. His shoulders hid beneath a dark leather jacket. The boy looked extremely out of place in a drama class. He waved half-heartedly before the teacher started chirping once more.

"Is there anyone willing to partner up with Arthur and show him the ropes of our wonderful class?" She smiled intoxicatingly.

Merlin leaned over to Gwen, "Don't suppose he's got a six pack under that leather do you?"

"Ahh, Merlin. Thank you for volunteering. Since you and Gwen have decided to be so chatty today, I'm sure she wouldn't mind taking the seat up here. Arthur can take her seat while you help him get acquainted." She smiled yet again, Merlin cringed.

Gwen passed Merlin an apologetic glance as she gathered up her bag, shuffling to the front. Arthur strut his direction, casually plopping himself down in the seat opposite. Merlin groaned. He dropped his elbow onto his desk, leaning into his palm, and listened to Mrs. H.

The 'project of the day' was written on the board, and Mrs. H. insisted Merlin pair with the new kid. Arthur pushed their desks together while Merlin stood, bringing pack butcher paper and a handful of colored markers. "So," Merlin started, swerving his marker in the shape of a large s across the paper's top, "you don't look like the kind of guy who'd do drama. How'd you piss off the football coach?"

Arthur chuckled, "It was the principal actually."

Merlin paused, "You serious?"

"Yup. The good ol' tack in the chair prank."

Merlin couldn't help laughing, "Now what'd you do that for?"

"Honestly, I don't like dicks." he smirked, plucking the lid off a yellow marker.

"Merlin by the way."

"Merlin?"

"Yeah, my name. It's Merlin."

Arthur grinned devilishly, "Seriously? Like the weird old wizard?"

"Problem?"

"No, no, just... uhh... You were serious?"

Merlin pushed Arthur lightly in the arm, "Prat."

"Last name?"

"No. It's the equivalent to calling you a dick." he smiled.

Arthur followed up, scribbling over Merlin's words. "Hey!" he cried, "You cant put stars over my words!"

The blonde just stuck his tongue out, continuing, "I'm just making the poster beautiful. We need to make sure it gets their attention." he sniggered.

Merlin brought his marker up to Arthur's face, branding his cheek with a big 'M'. Arthur gasped, but Merlin just grinned triumphantly, "I'm just making you beautiful. Naturally I just want to make absolute sure you get everyone's attention."

Arthur brought his marker up, "Oh, this means war!"

"Boys!"

Mrs. H's heels clicked across the floor as she walked briskly over to their desks. "Well, you're just a heap of trouble! I suggest you head to the principals office this instant." she glared, "And come back with clean faces!"

The two chuckled furiously as they leapt out into the hall, "You prat!" Merlin giggled, "You got me into trouble!"

Arthur punched him in the arm, "You can do that all on your own. You don't need my help."

"Prat!"

"Idiot!"