Sorry for not putting out a chapter last week! My muse was just not feeling up to it and wouldn't help me out at all. Plus, school's been pretty busy and I've been writing a lot for it! But I'm here now! Here's a thank you for my lovelies for reviewing!
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Mondays are the worst. It wasn't that she didn't love school, but the burden teachers placed on the students was overwhelming at times, especially being an Honor student. Morgana yawned sleepily as she pulled out her notebook and text for Chemistry. She stole a glance over at Merlin sitting next to her. He was more jittery than normal, but she didn't want to seem odd for noticing. Her curiosity eventually won over, and she leaned closer to him.
"Something on your mind?"
He turned his head slightly, giving her a sheepish smile. "What do you mean?" She arched an eyebrow and continued to stare at him. He breathed out a laugh, and motioned for her to move closer. Their shoulders were touching and Morgana couldn't help but become a little jittery herself. "Ok, if I tell you, you have to promise not to say anything." She nodded her head, keeping eye contact. "Arthur's going to ask Gwen to Homecoming."
Morgana's eyes widened, and she let out a tiny gasp. She wasn't entirely opposed to the idea; it was just weird having her brother ask her best friend to the dance. She'll have to talk to Arthur later on whether or not he's serious about her, or whether he's asking as a friend. But by the way Merlin said he, she was guessing the latter. Her face broke into a smile as she shared in Merlin's excitement.
"How? When?"
"Today during their 7th hour study hall. He's doing some sort of "follow the flowers" thing, but after that I'm not completely sure."
"She's going to be so excited! She's been getting nervous since no one has asked her yet."
"Has she had a date every year?"
"No, we normally went together with a group. But she was hoping this year someone would since its our senior year. And now she get's her wish!"
"And what about you? Now that she'll have a date, what will you do?"
Morgana internally flinched, hoping he wouldn't mention that. She understood he was going with Freya and was growing used to that fact. She had even been kind enough to tell him last Friday that Freya could sit with them at lunch if she wanted, but him mentioning her lack of a date surprisingly wounded her pride.
"I'm sure I'll figure it out."
"I heard Gwaine asked you." Morgana chuckled, nodding. "Why didn't you say yes?"
"I'm not that desperate for a date to go with him. Yes, he's a nice guy with a large ego, but I just didn't see myself having much fun with him. It's nothing personal." She stopped for a moment, then added, "He wasn't saying anything about it, was he? Did I hurt his feelings?"
"No, no, he's fine. Bounced right back. In fact, I think he found himself another girl anyways."
Morgana smiled. "Good for him."
"I totally understand why you said no, though. I didn't peg you as a girl looking for the athletic-type anyways."
"What did you peg me as?"
He looked her over, furrowing his eyebrows. "I'm not sure yet. But definitely someone who knows what she wants, and isn't going to settle just to be nice."
"That works for me."
Merlin can be such an idiot, sometimes. They worked through the period, occasionally glancing back at Gwen and giggling to themselves. Morgana felt like a kid again, teasing the other children about a secret only she knew. Well, if she wasn't going to be any more than a friend to Merlin, she would at least be a damn good friend. Being petty isn't worth missing out on great times, she decided. As they left class, Morgana said goodbye to Gwen, accompanying it with a wink, leaving her utterly confused. She maneuvered her way through the sea of bodies, hiked up the stairs, and plopped into a desk next to Arthur in their Post WWII-Europe class.
"So you're asking Gwen to Homecoming?"
Arthur jumped, looking a bit shocked that she knew, but she could see the wheels instantly turning. It only took him a few moments to figure it out.
"Merlin told you."
"Yup. He was acting oddly excited about something, so I asked him."
"I guess that man can't keep a secret. Can you?"
Morgana nodded. "Of course, Arthur. I'm not going to spoil your fun. Just answer me this: Do you intend to take her as a friend, or are you hoping for more afterwards?"
He looked pensive for a moment. She was grateful that he at least seemed like he was putting thought into this. "I'm not going to ask her as just a friend, but I'm not saying I'm for sure going to ask her our after the dance either. I want to see how it goes, but I think I do really like her."
Arthur looked like a helpless puppy at the moment, waiting to be scolded. Maybe she needed to stop giving him such a hard time. He'd definitely grown up the last few years, which was to be expected. Morgana knew she had to start cutting him some slack.
"You don't need to be scared, Arthur, I think it's sweet. Just don't break her heart. Then I'll have to deal with it from both sides, and I really don't want to do that."
Arthur laughed. "Don't worry, Morgana. I'm not going to hurt her."
"Good."
She hated how everyone, including her, was a slave to the bell. It rang, everyone stood up and walked. The next time it rang, you were either in class or toast. She had never been late in her life, unless she was waiting on Arthur, so getting to class on time was never an issue. The Psych classroom was always warm, so she shrugged off her sweater as she took her seat. A minute later, the bell rang and two students came over the P.A. system for the daily announcements.
"Heeeeello Albion Central! Welcome back to another week. We only have to get through this one and then-"
"HOMECOMING WEEK! We know you're all excited to hear the themes for the week, and we finally have the long-awaited list!"
"Monday is class color day! Freshmen wear pink, sophomores wear green, juniors are black and white, and seniors are blue!"
"Tuesday is Western day, so bring your plaid and your cowboy hats. Wednesday touches on our "Under the Sea" theme with Beach Day! But no, you cannot just wear a swimsuit. Normal uniform code still applies."
"And that goes for all days! Thursday is Harry Potter day so dust off those wands! And finally Friday is School Pride day, so bust out with Albion Central's red and gold!"
The rest of the announcements continued as normal, though they were no longer very interesting. Her Psych class went well, but Morgana always looked forward to going to Calc. Not only did she enjoy math, but Gwen, Merlin, and a ton of her other friends were in that class. Her wish was soon granted, and she moseyed on overto the classroom. When she arrived, Arthur and Leon were chatting and a few other students were getting settled in their seats. She found a small folded note on her desk, and picked it up once she got settled. As she began to unfold it, someone poked her on both sides from behind and turning, she found Gwen smiling.
"Hi!" Gwen greeted her, before noticing the piece of paper in her hands. "What's that?"
"I don't know. I was just about to see."
Before Morgana could open it, Merlin showed up and began chatting with both of them. The bell soon rang, and Morgana resorted to opening it when she sat down. Unfolding the paper, she saw there were only a couple of lines written on it:
Morgana,
Lucky number 7 is a prime number.
Your name has 7 letters, so you are my 'prime' choice for Homecoming.
Will you go with me?
-Leon
P.S. We can go as friends since I know you have a thing for Merlin, but I still think you're pretty cool and would love to go with you. :D
Morgana was speechless. Her mind wasn't sure what to compute first. How did Leon know anything about what she thought of Merlin? She wasn't that obvious, was she? Besides, she didn't really have a thing for him. Freya just wasn't the right girl for him. She glanced back down at his note. He is such a sweet guy. How has no one noticed how great he is before? She was definitely going to say yes. Regardless of his reasoning, she was grateful for his clarification that they were going to go as friends. Unfortunately, he sat in front of her so she couldn't grab his attention. She showed the letter to Gwen, who instantly approved. After class, Morgana quickly packed up and caught Leon on his way out, tapping him on his shoulder.
"Absolutely. Leon, that was probably the cutest note I've ever gotten. I'd love to go with you."
He smiled. "I knew you couldn't resist my cheesy math puns. But like I said in my note, I'm totally cool going as friends."
"Right. Oh, about that and the whole Merlin thing, I'm not into-"
"Yes you are, Morgana. Don't deny it. I'm very good with these things. I can smell it from a mile away!"
Leon wore a teasingly smug grin, and she rolled her eyes. "You think you're so clever."
"Sometimes. Especially in math. But I won't say anything Morgana, I promise. I just might tease you."
"I think I can deal with that."
"Great! But hey, don't give up just yet."
"What do you mean?"
"Merlin is still new here, so he didn't have a ton of options for who he asked. Nothing against Freya, but she was simple to ask. He just has to stick around you longer to see how awesome you are."
Morgana was really starting to like Leon. She had known him as long as Arthur had, but was pleased that she could start getting to know him, especially since they were now going to the dance together. I think I just gained a new confidant as well.
~x~
Freya tailed Merlin as they made their way through the cafeteria. They grabbed the two remaining seats at their table. They had completed their lunch table with the additions of Freya and the little freshman, Mordred. He didn't really know the kid very well, but he knew Morgana had become fond of him ever since they partnered up during art class last week. He was pretty sure they had gym together…
"So you told him yes, right?" Gwen was clarifying something with Morgana.
"Of course. Besides, we're only going as friends so it's not that big of deal."
Merlin piped in. "Did someone ask you?"
"Leon."
"Oh! Well, congrats!"
Merlin hadn't known those two were close. Then again, he didn't know a lot of things about many of the people here. This was only his third week here. But still, he didn't think he saw those two ever interact. You can't see everything, he reminded himself. Digging into his lunch, the conversation switched from the dance to the theme days. Apparently, dressing up for the theme days was a pretty big thing at this school, and most people participated. Merlin made a mental note to remember what to wear each day. He glanced up as Mordred was asking if it was all right to just wear the colors, or was he expected to go full out with face paint and accessories. The answers were mixed, but he was reassured that he could go with whatever he felt comfortable.
His next period flew by, and Merlin found himself in Kilgharrah's
class chatting with Arthur, preparing him for next hour.
"Is everything set up?" Merlin whispered.
"The bell is, yes. But the petals are just going to have to wait until I run down there and do them after this."
Merlin looked skeptical. "Are you going to have enough time?"
"I hope so." Arthur shrugged. "Thanks for helping me do this. I don't know if I would've had the courage to by myself, honestly."
"Of course. But I'm sure one of your other friends could've helped."
"They could've, but I actually think you're more clever at this, as much as I hate to say it. And since I hate saying it, you're only gonna hear this once."
"Got it."
"Speaking of the other guys, they're actually coming to hang out at my place this Friday since our game is on Saturday. Gwen and Morgana are gonna be there too. Wanna come?"
"Maybe. I mean, I have a ton of other friends that are begging me to hang out with them and come to their parties on Friday, too. But I think I can probably swing by."
"I think you think you're hilarious, Merlin, but you're not actually that funny."
"I amuse myself."
"I bet. Well, if you promise not to make any more 'hilarious' jokes that we'll be in danger of dying from laughter, you should come do the after-school stuff with us next week. There's float building, paintball one day, and I think this year they're giving us discounts on laser tag."
"Sweet. I'm game. But are you?"
"Me? Of course I am."
"What about in 30 seconds?" Merlin asked, looking up at the clock. "Because that's when the bell's gonna ring."
"Thirty sec-oh, shit! Okay, okay. I think I'm ready."
"Don't chicken out."
Arthur glared. "I won't. I can ask a girl to Homecoming, Merlin. It's not that hard."
"If you say so."
Arthur would've responded, but the bell cut him off. Instead, he dashed out of the room, hoping to beat Gwen to his study hall. Merlin headed off to the gym. He hated going. He wasn't opposed to working out and getting fit, but Coach Agravaine rubbed him the wrong way. Luckily, he wasn't the only one who felt this way. There were only a handful of people that didn't mind the coach. The group of boys was led out to the track and the coach instructed them to run four times around, equaling a mile. Merlin set off at a quick pace, wanting to finish somewhat quickly. Soon, he found Mordred was jogging in the lane next to him, matching his pace.
"Hi," Mordred said. "I know we sit at the same table at lunch and are in art together, but I don't think we've ever properly introduced ourselves." He held out a hand.
"I think you're right. I'm Merlin. And you're Mordred, correct?" Merlin took his hand and shook it, not breaking his stride.
"That's right. You're the new senior?" Merlin nodded. "How'd that happen?"
Merlin quickly explained that his mom, their art teacher, had gotten this job and since he didn't have any reason to stay at his old school, he transferred. Mordred listened intently, nodding as best as he could as they jogged.
"Well I'd say friend-wise, you've done pretty well for yourself," Mordred commented.
"I could say the same about you," Merlin laughed. "A freshmen becoming friends with the seniors so quickly."
Mordred huffed. "You have a point, though I really only know Morgana so far, and she brought me to the lunch table."
"She was one of the first people I met, too."
"I guess we're both just lucky…or know how to use our friendly charm."
Merlin wasn't sure if that was supposed to be funny or not, but he laughed with Mordred anyways. Or as best as he could while running. They had gone around two full times, and were about a quarter of the way through their third. He decided he liked this kid. Mordred could be awkward, as he just experienced, but he was friendly enough.
"Are you a fan of the coach?" Merlin asked when no other question had come to mind.
"He's all right. I know not many people like him, but I think he's trying his best. I try not to judge too quickly, or before knowing what's happening on the other side. If you don't like him, that's totally fine, I just don't wanna completely write him off yet, you know?"
"I understand. It actually sounds like something someone I know would have said," Merlin agreed, thinking of Freya. "Or actually, you know her now. Freya thinks like that, too."
"Oh yeah, she seems nice. You're taking her to Homecoming, right?"
"Yeah! You going with anyone?"
"As of late, no. But I'm thinking of asking one of the girls in the musical. She's my dancing partner in one of the silverware numbers."
"Oh, who? And wait, you're in the musical?"
"Her name's Kara. She's a freshman, so I don't think you'd know her. But yeah, I was cast as Chip."
"Nice."
Their conversation dwindled, as it was becoming too difficult to run and talk at the same time. Merlin's mind wandered back to Arthur and hoped he didn't chicken out or screw up his plan. He knew he'd find out later, either way.
~x~
Gwen walked up to her usual table, expecting to find Arthur already sitting there. Instead, she found nothing but a trail of rose petals leading off into the library adjacent to the Honors Commons. Curious, she sets her books down and drapes her backpack over the chair, and followed them. As soon as she entered the library, the petals made a sharp left around the corner. She continued walking, taking note that it appeared they led either to the fiction or the romance section. A turn around a corner confirmed the romance section and she happened upon a bell hanging from the top of one of the cases. A note was attached to the bell. She quickly read it and rang the bell as it instructed. Nothing happened for a moment, until she heard someone "shush" her from behind. It was Arthur.
"Don't you know we're in a library?"
"Oh, you're right. I'm sorry!" She laughed, and then hesitantly added, "Did you do this?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." He stepped a bit closer. "Though I happened to hear from a little birdie that you're looking for a Homecoming date. I don't know if you'll get one hiding in the corner of a library."
"Really? I had heard that some of these characters would make great dates. Unfortunately, they're not real."
"Lucky for you, I am."
Gwen had guessed at the reason for this encounter, but it still made her heart skip. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying, or rather asking, if you would accompany me to the dance next weekend."
Gwen remembered saying yes and they both broke out into smiles. She wasn't sure where this was heading, but she was excited for it all the same. She ran into Morgana during passing period and told her the good news. They jumped up and down with one another quickly before Morgana hurried off to art. Later that day at rehearsal, Gwen recalled the events for Lance. An emotion she didn't recognize flashed in his eyes for a brief second, but then he was congratulating her as well. Gwen skipped out of school that evening feeling incredibly happy and grateful. She didn't expect for her senior year to start off so well, but was thankful nonetheless. She had a date to Homecoming, a lead role in the musical, great classes, and even new friends. Smiling at her good fortune, she hopped in her car and headed home.
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And my muse has run out! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! As always, tell me what you think in the lovely review box below!
Next time: Homecoming Week (not the dance quite yet!)
Have a great week! :D
