He took the midnight train going anywhere

Chapter 1

"You're doing it again", Will said.

Merlin jumped and glanced at Will, "Doing what?"

"Staring at Arthur".

Merlin tried unsuccessfully to hide a blush, "I don't know what you're talking about".

"Sure you don't", Will said sarcastically with a knowing smirk.

Merlin glared at Will, "Okay fine, I was staring at him. Happy?"

"Yes actually", Will said and to Merlin's irritation his grin grew wider.

Merlin leaned against his locker, "Well I don't know why, considering nothing will ever happen between us".

"You don't know that for sure".

Merlin gave Will an incredulous look, "Will, Arthur is the most popular guy in school, he's dating Gwen and I'm pretty sure he doesn't even know I exist".

"It's not like you to be so pessimistic Merlin".

Merlin glared at Will again, Merlin loved Will but he could be so annoying sometimes. He knew Will meant well though, he had been best friends with Will since they were ten. Will was very protective of Merlin and was always looking out for him. It made Merlin feel guilty for keeping his magic from him. Merlin wanted to tell Will, but his mother had forbidden him from doing so because it was too dangerous. Merlin was sure Will would keep his secret, but there was a part of him that was scared of Will rejecting him and exposing his magic, so he kept it a secret.

"Did you know Gaius is taking over Glee club?"

Will rolled his eyes at the subject change but played along, knowing that Arthur was a difficult subject for Merlin, "Yeah, why are you thinking of joining?"

Merlin shrugged, "Yeah, but my mum doesn't want me to join".

"How come?"

Merlin looked away from Will, he hated lying to him, "Um, she wants me to focus more on work".

"But you haven't joined any clubs, surely one would be okay?"

"You would think so, but apparently not".

"Why don't you join anyway?" Will suggested with a mischievous grin.

"What? No way!"

"Come on Merlin, she wouldn't have to know".

Merlin sighed, "Okay, but only if you join to".

"But Merlin-"

"If I have to, you have to".

"Fine, fine", Will said reluctantly.

Meanwhile Arthur was half listening to Gwen and thinking about football. Arthur was worried because his grades were slipping, and his father was threatening to take him off the team if his grades didn't get any better. Arthur couldn't lose his position as Quarterback, Arthur knew he would lose his popularity if he did and if he lost that, there was a good chance he would lose Gwen.

"Arthur! Arthur!" Arthur jumped, Gwen was glaring at him.

"Huh?"

Gwen sighed, "You didn't listen to a word I said did you?"

"I'm sorry, I just have a lot of things on my mind".

"Well you can add the prom to them, it is essential that we are prom king and queen".

"Gwen, the prom is ages away", Arthur said.

"I know, but we need to start planning now. We can't afford to leave it to the last minute".