Arthur and merlin sat silently in the cold seats of principal Uther's office, doing their best to contain their giggles, but failing miserably.

The Principal turned in his chair, the leather creaking against the metal almost to accent his sour expression. "If you both find this so funny, then I think we've got a bit of a problem. Now Arthur, I saw you in here just the other day coincidentally. Was drama not suitable punishment enough?"

"You can cage the lion but not the beast inside him." Arthur replied, quite proud.

Merlin bit back a grin.

Uther however, did not seem amused. "Well then I think you're brilliant sarcasm and attitude should be better put to use." He sat forward, elbows on his desk, fingers slowly tangling themselves in one another, "Honestly, I didn't think you'd last anyway. Therefore I believe a part in the school play would be fitting."

Arthur opened his mouth to protest, "No arguments." Uther interjected.

The blonde groaned, rubbing his hands over his face. Merlin giggled, which drew Uther's unwanted attention. "And you, Merlin." Merlin stopped giggling almost instantly, training his gaze to the floor. "You're already in drama, correct?"

"Uh.. yes."

"Trying out for the lead?"

"Well, I was hoping to yes..."

Arthur stared at the boy, he was trying out for the lead? He didn't look like that much of a performer, let alone an actor. Uther simply smiled a grim, cold smile, "Then I'll see to it you don't receive that part."

"What?!" Merlin yelped, "But-but you can't-"

"Hold your tongue boy."

Arthur cringed as Merlin fell silent, seemingly choking back tears.

"You're dismissed."

The boys left after that, less bound in their step then when they'd first come in. Merlin refused to talk to Arthur on the way back to class, and they didn't talk much during the rest of class either. In fact, it wasn't until the bell rang to signal the end of class that they even exchanged another few words. Arthur caught Merlin's arm on the way out, "Look man, I'm sorry about you loosing your part and all but-"

"Arthur, I'm sorry, but I'm no really in the mood to talk right now. If you don't mind, I need to get to history." Merlin jerked his arm free and strode out the door, not taking a moment to loo at back at Arthur, who watched his leave in anguish.

Lancelot sat by him in history, propping his backpack up against his desk and slapping Merlin warmly on the back. "Hey Merlin. How was drama? Aren't tryouts today?"

Merlin groaned, his eyes tamed in the direction of the floor, "Principal Uther won't let me try out for the main character anymore."

"What?!" Lance sat up straight, "What for?"

Merlin laughed a few times, more sadly then anything else, "I had a marker war with a new student in drama."

"A marker fight?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow. "Seriously?"

Merlin leaned back in his chair as the bell rang. Lancelot had bee his friend since the beginning of their freshman year. He'd been kind, funny and really cared for Merlin. He was one of those friends that would beat the jerk that broke your heart and just enter your house like it was his own. He usually came around to pose through Merlin's fridge for food. Right now though, he had the look about him. Merlin saw it a lot.

Lancelot's 'look' was a protective type, one that looked somewhat violent, but at the same time soft. Merlin sighed. "Don't do anything stupid Lance. I'm just bummed out over it. It's not the end of the world though."

"Who's the new kid?"

Merlin took a deep breath, "His name is Arthur. He looked like a jock." he turned, whispering now as the teacher stood and started scribbling words across the board, "Hey, you're on the football team, do you know him?"

"Arthur?" he asked, "As in Arthur Pendragon?"

Merlin didn't seem phased, "Yeah, I guess so. I didn't really catch his last name..."

"Stay away from him Merlin. That guy is bad news."

Merlin frowned, "Why?"

The teacher turned, "SHH." he signaled, before returning to his board.

Merlin wasn't in the mood to get in any more trouble today, so he just ignored Lance. He spent the period trying to figure out what part he would try out for instead. There was the lesser character... one of the boys dressed as an angel. Maybe he could swing that one... or there were chorus parts... but Merlin wanted to be a little out there in the play. He wanted to stick out mainly.

Merlin sighed again before turning his attention to the window. It was going to be a long try out.