Summary: Merlin likes his best friend, Arthur. However, Arthur has a girlfriend. What will Merlin do when he hears they're no longer together? Modern AU. High school.

Pairing(s): Mainly Arthur/Merlin but also Gwaine/Percival a little Morgana/Leon and a little Arthur/Gwen for first few chapters.

Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Merlin or any of these characters. No copyright intended.

Spoilers: I don't think any, but if there are, feel free to tell me.

A/N: I never feel like my chapters are long enough, I'm sorry. It'll get longer with each chapter (I hope.) Don't hurt me. R&R are appreciated.

Word count: 459 in 1st chapter.

"Merlin…" Arthur stammered, blushing and unable to keep eye contact. "I-I guess what I'm trying to say is…"

Merlin took a step forward, eyebrow cocked. "Arthur?" Arthur took a deep breath and looked into Merlin's deep blue yes.

"Would you… possibly consider… being my lab partner?" Merlin's expression softened and he laughed. "You say that like you're going to ask me on a date." Arthur's heart did a little jump and he gave a crap fake laugh. He cursed himself for that.

Surprisingly enough, Merlin hadn't noticed the way Arthur acted around him. The awkward flirting, the blushing, the stammering… At least it didn't seem like it. Merlin never showed any interest in him. So that could only mean he didn't, right?

"Arthur seems upset…" Will said, taking a bite of the fresh apple he took from Merlin, earning a glare from the raven haired boy. "I think Gwen can solve that problem" Morgana teased, leaning into Leon.

"I think it's because his spoiled pratty ass didn't get that new—"

"Oh, shut up, Merlin." Arthur said with a glare.

Merlin laughed and looked up at Arthur. Arthur was blushing profusely with his eyebrows furrowed, causing Merlin to laugh even harder. Gwaine chuckled and sat down next to Percival at the lunch table. "What's so funny?" he asked.

Leon gave a quick shrug. "Merlin made a stupid joke…" Gwaine chuckled again and kissed Percival quickly.

"Well, I have to get an early start to class today" he said and shoved a bite of tuna sandwich in his mouth.

"Why?" Merlin found.

"What have you done this time?" Morgana jabbed him in the arm with her finger.

Gwaine shrugged. "Professor Cenred wants to see me"

"Hate 'im" Gwen said from behind Arthur before squeezing in next to Arthur.

"Gwenivire! Nice of you to join us." Merlin scoffed.

"What, so you can sit there and make out the whole time?" he said, sarcastically.

"Actually, that's not a bad idea…" Arthur put his arm around the shorter girl.

"C'mon, Gwaine… I'll walk with you to class."

Gwaine raised an eyebrow. "What, you want to see Cenred?"

"I'll pass. I'm going to visit Professor Gaius."

Percival laughed, and Arthur gave a small smirk behind Gwen's mouth. Gwaine placed a parting kiss on Percival's cheek. "Later, babe." He said with a small wink.

"Hey, Gaius." Merlin said as he dropped himself into his seat.

"Merlin?" Gaius smiled.

"Hello. Couldn't stand another minute of Gwen and Arthur."

Gaius chuckled. "You may come in early whenever you'd like."

"Thank you"

The bell rang a few moments later and kids rushed in. Arthur came in and sat next to Merlin. "Made it on time today?" Merlin joked.

Arthur punched him lightly in the arm. "Shut up, Merlin."